Chennai, Sept 17
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay returned to Chennai on Thursday morning after a seven-day visit to the United Kingdom aimed at attracting investments and strengthening Tamil Nadu’s position as a global manufacturing and technology hub.
The State government said the visit resulted in investment proposals worth ₹15,300 crore, with the projects expected to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The major agreement was signed with Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd and its European and British joint venture companies for an investment of around ₹11,000 crore. The proposed investment covers design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly and logistics facilities and is expected to create around 7,000 jobs.
Sweden-based Sigma Technology Group, through its Indian entity Shriya Solutions, has agreed to expand its Global Capability Centres in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. The expansion, focusing on embedded systems, electrification and industrial digitalisation, is expected to create around 600 high-value jobs. Ernst & Young has also signed an MoU for a GCC under a Build-Operate-Transform-
UK-based Wilson Power Solutions has signed an MoU to establish an advanced transformer manufacturing facility in Tiruvallur district with an investment of ₹300 crore, which is expected to generate around 400 jobs. A leading European automotive component manufacturer has submitted a Letter of Intent for a proposed ₹3,000-crore investment in Tamil Nadu.
During the visit, Vijay also met Indian High Commissioner to the UK Kumaran Periasamy on September 12 and discussed trade and investment opportunities under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement framework. On September 14, the investment agreements were formalised in London. The government said discussions were also held with 10 leading companies in aerospace, defence, chemicals, logistics, construction, financial services, retail and legal services.
Executives of the Hinduja Group and Ashok Leyland also met Vijay to discuss the progress of their ₹2,500-crore MoU signed during the VETTRI Tamil Nadu Investors’ Conclave in August. The group reiterated its plans to expand operations and explore investments in renewable energy, including wind power, as well as commercial vehicle exports.
The visit also included a focus on motorsport infrastructure. Vijay inspected the Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit in connection with the State government’s plan to establish a Motor Sports City in Tamil Nadu. He reviewed the circuit’s race-control facilities, track infrastructure, museum and safety systems and also flagged off the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Silverstone, in which actor and racing driver Ajith Kumar participated.
The government said the UK visit showcased Tamil Nadu’s skilled workforce, industrial base, infrastructure, business environment and investment opportunities to global companies. Vijay has directed officials to follow up on the investment proposals and facilitate their implementation in the State.