JSW MG Motor’s Halol plant in India is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion in the automotive industry. With a remarkable 34% of its total workforce comprised of women, the plant stands as a beacon of progress, showcasing the crucial role women play in manufacturing. This commitment to gender parity is deeply ingrained in the company’s philosophy, which revolves around innovation, diversity, and community.
The journey to achieving this impressive ratio began with a strong intent to embrace inclusivity and achieve a 50% women workforce in the coming years. The company’s efforts were met with support from the Government of Gujarat, which made necessary amendments to the Factories Act, paving the way for women to enter the traditionally male-dominated field. However, the road to full acceptance wasn’t without its challenges. Local villagers initially expressed concerns about the safety of their daughters working in an automobile plant. JSW MG Motor addressed these concerns with meticulous planning and implementation of women-centric guidelines. These guidelines included safe transportation home at night, dedicated pregnancy leaves, the Drive Her Back (DHB) initiative to reintegrate qualified women after a sabbatical, and a creche facility at the workplace to support new mothers.
The company recognized the safety and ease of the assembly processes in Halol, which doesn’t require strenuous physical labor. This understanding further facilitated the inclusion of women. Upon onboarding women, the company observed a significant advantage in their training process. Their process-oriented approach led to a reduction in errors and an impressive 5-6% increase in first output rate efficiency. JSW MG Motor actively recruits graduates, fresh ITI pass-outs, and students with diplomas in automotive technology (DAT), providing them with comprehensive, hands-on training. The company has further empowered young women with a technical bent by offering ITI courses in traditionally male-dominated fields such as fitting, diesel mechanics, automotive, electrical work, and welding.
The company’s commitment to gender equality extends beyond the shop floor. A significant 33% of female engineers are now in managerial and leadership roles at JSW MG Motor India. This dedication to empowering women aligns perfectly with the company’s ambitious vision for the future of automotive manufacturing. Recognizing the growing importance of Electric Vehicles (EVs), JSW MG Motor is actively pursuing carbon neutrality through extensive EV research and development. The company has partnered with prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to spearhead cutting-edge EV research, further strengthening its R&D capabilities.
JSW MG Motor’s commitment to innovation and skill development is evident in its collaborative efforts with over 42 colleges, involving over 1000 students in EV-related projects that integrate emerging technologies like IoT and AI. The company offers 11-month internship programs that often lead to permanent job offers. Through the MG Nurture initiative, aimed at bridging the industry-academia gap, the company introduced the Connected Autonomous Electric Vehicles (CAEV) program in several engineering colleges, ITIs, and government polytechnics.
The company’s dedication to nurturing the future of automotive manufacturing is not only evident in its commitment to gender equality but also in its proactive approach to equipping the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving EV landscape. JSW MG Motor’s success story is a powerful example of how embracing diversity, investing in skill development, and prioritizing sustainability can pave the way for a brighter future for the automotive industry.
