The Hindu Business Line : Auto MNC workers hit training circuit overseas

New Delhi, Feb. 9 Top notch executives no longer have the sole privilege of training overseas. Blue collar workers are following suit, as transnational automobile companies execute multiple launches, manufacture global models here, and begin to make India their export hub.

Automotive companies such as BMW, Honda and Hyundai are increasingly taking shopfloor employees for training to their facilities in Thailand, Japan or Germany. This is primarily to ensure that products emerging from the Indian subcontinent adhere to global standards and quality.

“When we started our plant at Chennai in April last year, we took around 100 assembly-line employees to Thailand to ensure the same standards that are at our overseas facilities,” said Mr Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India.

Honda Siel Cars India also follows the same practice, in the process exposing their workers to the latest in automation and technology at the company headquarters in Japan.

Simulated environs

“There are multiple launches happening in a short gap and it is necessary to train people in a simulated environment or at a plant that has already commenced manufacturing of the model,” said Mr Rajesh Goyal, Head of Quality Engineering, Honda. He points out that this makes it much easier to explain to workers small changes at the production line, which can in turn boost operational efficiency.

Gearing up for the launch of its global car i10, Hyundai Motors India Ltd also trained its Indian employees at the facility of its parent company in South Korea.

“New cars come with new technologies and in certain cases these cars are already being produced elsewhere. Before the launch of i10, we had 200 of our staff, including 150 technicians and 50 service people, trained at the parent company,” said the company spokesperson.

More Stories on : Automobiles | Human Resources

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

Stories in this Section
Budget likely to ease merger of private airlines

Auto MNC workers hit training circuit overseas

Cement prices inch up across markets

Niche segments lure IIFT students

Ford hopes to resolve pension, job security issues soon

Market lure: Insurance cos’ exposure to equities on the rise

TRAI may set FDI norms for broadcasting, cable services