Defence minister inaugurates HAL’s new production unit at Kasargod

Defence minister inaugurates HAL’s new production unit at Kasargod

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 17, 2012: Defence Minister A. K. Antony inaugurated the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Strategic Electronics Factory and Oommen Chandy, chief minister of Kerala, inaugurated the production facility at Kasargod on Nov 17, 2012.

 

 

 

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a leading Asian aeronautical/aerospace company with 10 research and development centers and 19 production divisions in India. HAL deals with design, repair, production, overhaul, and upgrade of aircraft, aero engines, helicopters, accessories, systems, and avionics. The company offers a one-stop solution for all the design needs of aircraft and helicopters in airframes systems, air frames, avionics mission, and combat systems using sophisticated design tools.

HAL manufacturing divisions are well-equipped with modern infrastructure required for the manufacture of trainer aircraft, fighter aircraft, helicopters, and transport aircraft. The company employs more than 32,000 employees, 50% of who have over 10 years of experience in the aircraft industry.

HAL’s factory in Kasargod will manufacture advanced avionics for aircraft and helicopters. Since avionics has a major role to play in the functioning of modern aircraft and contributes to the value of a helicopter/aircraft, a new and sophisticated production unit was launched at Kasargod.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the government of Kerala was willing to assist industries to set up plants in Kerala, HAL shortlisted Kasargod because of factors such as availability of land, water, and power. The government of Kerala identified 196 acres of land for the production unit, and Defense Minister A. K. Anthony laid the foundation stone for the construction of the factory buildings on Aug 23, 2008.

A total of Rs. 66 crore was utilized for the first phase of this project and at present, seven buildings are being used for activities such as production, technical services, administration, material management, medical, security, canteen, and government agencies, including a sub station. The unit includes facilities such as underground water tank, parking, scrap yard, overhead water tank, pump house, guard room, and crèche.

The factory is currently dealing with the production of airborne special purpose computers and will soon be expanded to facilitate manufacture of avionics for medium multi role combat aircraft.