Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India's first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at the Keltron Component Complex Limited (KCCL) in Kallyassery, Kannur, on Tuesday, as announced in a press release.

During the event, the Chief Minister praised Keltron's exemplary role as a public sector undertaking (PSU) in the electronics and IT industry, noting that the organization has set a standard for other public sector entities across India since its establishment in 1974.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone for both Keltron and India's electronics sector. "It is a matter of pride that Keltron, the country's first electronics manufacturing company, is now home to the first supercapacitor production facility in India," CM Vijayan stated. He also emphasized Kerala's leadership in various sectors, mentioning that the state is home to India's first IT park, digital university, graphene centre, and the recently hosted first Gen AI Conclave.

Developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the supercapacitor manufacturing plant has an initial investment of Rs 42 crore. It is expected to enhance Kerala's status as a hub for electronics industries while supporting the country's defence and electric vehicle sectors.

The Chief Minister outlined the Kerala government's ambitious plans for the electronics industry, including an additional investment of Rs 1,000 crore aimed at expanding production capacity and modernizing existing facilities. A master plan worth Rs 395 crore has already been drafted for Keltron's timely modernization, with several key projects nearing completion. For instance, Keltron's Karakulam unit is on track to become part of the power electronics sector.

Additionally, the government is actively working to connect national highways to establish an IT corridor and develop an electronics hardware manufacturing park at Amballur. As part of the broader ecosystem, small manufacturing clusters, testing facilities, laboratories, and tool rooms are being prepared to assist existing electronics manufacturers in Kerala. "Keltron can play a pivotal role in transforming Kerala into an electronics manufacturing hub," CM Vijayan remarked.

The new facility will produce high-quality, indigenously made supercapacitors applicable in various fields, including electric vehicles and space missions. Known for their ability to store and discharge energy faster than traditional batteries, supercapacitors are essential in sectors such as defence, automotive, and aerospace. KCCL is expected to manufacture up to 2,000 supercapacitors daily, adhering to global standards and meeting India's increasing demand for advanced electronic components.

The first phase of construction, including the installation of imported machinery, has been completed, marking the plant's readiness for full-scale production. Within four years, the facility is projected to generate an annual turnover of Rs 22 crore and an annual profit of Rs 3 crore, according to the release.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Industry and Law P Rajeev, who presided over the event, along with Keltron Chairman N Narayana Murthy, who detailed the project's scope. Former Minister EP Jayarajan attended as a special guest, joined by several notable figures, including MLA M Vijin, Kannur District Panchayat President PP Divya, and KCCL Managing Director KG Krishnakumar.

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