INDIA 2.0

Production in India resumes

SAVWIPL restarts production at both Indian plants

P

ollowing the shutdown that was in effect because of the coronavirus pandemic, ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) has resumed operations in Aurangabad and Pune. Work has resumed on preparations of the production of pre-series cars within the INDIA 2.0 project. The carmaker has restarted in full compliance with regulations of local authorities and is subject to extensive safety measures. In order to ensure employees’ health, a safety protocol with 60 measures prepared in coordination with experts was applied at the company’s manufacturing facilities, logistics areas and offices.  

Gurpratap Boparai

SAVWIPL Managing Director  

The post-COVID-19 era will have challenges new and old; however, we need to look ahead with renewed optimism. By restarting production, we will be in a better position to react to market demands and consumer needs. Over the past few weeks, we have been working closely with the government, the local administration and our medical team to develop a ‘Safe Production and Safe Office concept’ and have it implemented in our operations.

In Aurangabad, where the new ŠKODA SUPERB is being produced, operations began in a single shift on May 20. At the same time, the plant gradually ramped up the production of engines and Audi and VW cars. 

In addition, SAVWIPL has intensified work on preparing the Pune plant to start producing the new models as part of the INDIA 2.0 project and has accelerated steps to start production of the first pre-series SUVs on the MQB A0 IN platform. 

Help behind the gates of our plants

As a responsible corporate citizen, SAVWIPL has provided financial and material support to health professionals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the distribution of food packets and dry rations in rural areas. Employees, with the support of the unions, pitched in to collect over CZK 3.7 million to acquire full-features ventilators for hospitals in Aurangabad, Pune and Mumbai. We reported on this in the May issue of ŠKODA Mobil. RED

CZK 120,000 (386,000 INDIAN RUPEES) WAS COLLECTED AMONGST MANAGERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE LOGISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE MONEY WILL BE SPENT ON SUPPORTING EIGHT CHILDREN’S HOMES IN INDIA, SPECIFICALLY TO BUY FOOD PACKETS.

Logistics challenges

As far as the Indian plants in Pune and Aurangabad are concerned, the Logistics team provides over 10,000 parts for pre-series and series production, as well as regular shipments of cars to more than 200 dealers. How were its departments preparing for the start of production during the pandemic? RED

Logistics in the Indian region 

“The coronavirus pandemic has partly paralysed supplies, and brought in a number of challenges in providing parts, transporting goods (sea, air and road transportation) etc. We have taken a number of new measures to ensure production continuity”, says Tomáš Rais. 

Program planning

The team focused on establishing production models and adjusted work schedules in line with the applicable government regulations to arrive at an optimal solution. They also intensified communication with third parties to continue the production in the best possible way.

Pre-series

This plan included the pre-series of the first SUVs to be made in Pune. The team focused on resuming the deliveries of parts from suppliers, including alternatives, to ensure the start of production in time.

Disposition 

This department increased the frequency of risk assessments, focused on monitoring deliveries and analysed possible issues. At the same time, it addressed manpower availability in the supply chain (drivers, service workers etc.). “In the future, we will focus on reducing rental costs for container seizures, air travel, scrapping or service providers such as customs and transportation staff”, adds Rajesh Mishra.

Logistics planning

The team dealt with developing packaging for future projects, planning work facilities, securing local resources, building infrastructure.

Operational logistics 

The department has taken care of a sufficient number of employees coming “on board”. In view of the situation, we prepared a comprehensive “Safe Logistics” programme to monitor all logistics processes and devised a number of safety measures to prevent the virus from spreading in both Indian plants.