The Hindu Business Line : Codissia begins work on phase II of fair complex

EXPANSION PROJECT: Mr C. Muthusami, President of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association), flanked by Mr J. Balu, former President of the association, and Mr V. Jaganathan, President, Coimbatore Industrial Technology Centre, at the `bhoomi puja' at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex on Monday. — M. Periasamy

Coimbatore April 23 The Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia) on Monday launched work on the second phase of its trade fair complex on the outskirts of the city at an estimated cost of Rs 24 crore.

While the constructed hall area would be one lakh sq ft, a food court with an area of 25,000-30,000 sq ft would also come up under the expansion project.

The first phase of the Codissia trade fair complex was built in 2,000 at a cost of Rs 11 crore with a built-up area of one lakh sq ft.

Speaking to Business Line after the `Bhoomi Pooja', Mr C. Muthusami, President, Codissia, said the organisation has been facing acute space shortage while conducting exhibitions. He said even during the INTEC exhibition organised by Codissia in 2006, it had to construct temporary structures for 75,000 sq.ft and a food court on an area of 30,000 sq.ft. The next INTEC fair will be held from February 1 to 6, 2008 and Codissia has planned to complete the construction by end December. He expected nearly 500 participants to attend next year's fair.

Mr Muthusami said the new buildings would be pillar-free constructions like the existing trade fair complex. The new construction would consist of two halls of 50,000 sq ft each and a food court on an area of 25,000 sq.ft to 30,000 sq.ft. The first hall (Hall D) would be air-cooled whereas the food court and another hall would be air-conditioned.

Codissia has planned to approach the Small Industries Development Bank of India for a loan amounting to 75 per cent of the cost of the project with Codissia putting up the 25 per cent as margin money. Even the first phase of the trade fair complex was built with financial assistance from SIDBI to the tune of Rs 8 crore with Codissia contributing Rs 3 crore.

Mr Muthusami said the huge investment made in the construction of the trade fair complex was self-sustaining and even with an occupancy of 60 days-80 days in a year, he was confident of generating adequate income to service the debt. It would also be possible to let out individual halls for holding small exhibitions.

More Stories on : SSI | Infrastructure | Tamil Nadu

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page