New Delhi: Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), a FMCG company in emerging markets, has inaugurated its first integrated greenfield manufacturing facility in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art plant, spanning 27 acres, marks the company’s largest single investment of approximately ₹515 crore over five years. The plant was set up in a record time of 13 months and is designed to drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in manufacturing.
The facility was officially inaugurated by Thiru M.K. Stalin, Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, along with Nadir Godrej, Chairperson, Godrej Industries Group, and Sudhir Sitapati, MD & CEO, GCPL. The ceremony was marked by the first production run of the Cinthol Original soap bar, symbolizing a new chapter for the company’s production capabilities.
The Chengalpattu plant is designed to provide over 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 50% of the workforce will be women, while 5% will comprise individuals from LGBTQIA+ communities and persons with disabilities. Employees from these communities will play key operational roles in machine handling, quality control, and engineering. The facility also includes gender-neutral washrooms and infrastructure tailored for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a truly inclusive workplace.
Commenting on the plant’s inauguration, Nadir Godrej, Chairperson, Godrej Industries Group, said, “The Chengalpattu plant stands as a testament to Godrej Consumer Products’ unwavering commitment to shaping the future of manufacturing, where innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity seamlessly converge. This cutting-edge facility not only supports our mission to deliver high-quality products to consumers but also places a strong emphasis on the well-being and diversity of our workforce. With 50% women and 5% representation from people with disabilities (PWD) and LGBTQIA+ communities, we are proud of our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. At Godrej, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies in empowering people and protecting the planet, driving sustainable growth for all.”
Thiru M. K. Stalin, Hon. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, said, “Tamil Nadu has always focused on progress, driven by strategic investments, strong infrastructure, and a commitment to employment generation and women’s empowerment. The establishment of Godrej Consumer Products’ first integrated factory in Chengalpattu marks a significant milestone in this journey. By choosing Tamil Nadu as the base for their facility, Godrej is not only contributing to the economic advancement of Tamil Nadu but also strengthening our commitment to nurturing industries that drive innovation, create jobs, and uplift communities. Together, we are shaping a future where growth and inclusivity go hand in hand.”
The facility will house high-speed, automated production lines, operating 2X to 4X faster than conventional setups. Embracing Industry 4.0 technologies, the plant will integrate AI, IoT-based real-time analytics, and machine learning, optimizing efficiency and reducing resource consumption.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Sudhir Sitapati, MD & CEO, GCPL, stated, “The Chengalpattu plant represents a transformational shift in our manufacturing capabilities, serving as Godrej Consumer Products’ first fully integrated facility under one roof. This advanced facility will produce products from some of our best-selling brands, including Cinthol, Godrej No.1, GoodKnight, Godrej Aer, and Godrej Expert Hair Colour. We foresee this factory generating INR 1,500 crore in turnover once all planned production lines are fully operational. Beyond being just a manufacturing hub, this facility is set to be a key driver of innovation, productivity, and sustainability, positioning GCPL for continued growth and success in the future. We commend the Tamil Nadu government for its progressive and futuristic vision, which has enabled us to achieve this milestone.”
The facility aligns with GCPL’s environmental goals, adhering to Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) guidelines for sustainable infrastructure. The plant incorporates eco-friendly measures such as energy-efficient operations, water conservation techniques, and reduced carbon emissions, reinforcing GCPL’s dedication to responsible manufacturing.
As Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, Tamil Nadu, stated, “We are immensely proud of this new facility and thank Godrej Consumer Products for choosing to establish it in Tamil Nadu. This facility exemplifies several pillars of the MK Stalin era of Dravidian Model growth. It is a smart manufacturing facility, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s push for advanced manufacturing. The facility places DEI at its core, with plans to employ 50% women and 5% of employees from LGBTQIA+ communities and persons with disabilities – this commitment aligns with Tamil Nadu’s vision of inclusive and equitable industrial growth. Additionally, the facility was swiftly operationalised in a record time of just 13 months, showcasing our speedy governance.”
Commenting on the launch, Saurabh Jhawar, Head – Product Supply Organization for India & SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “Designed with cutting-edge automation and digitization, the plant features highly automated, high-speed production lines that operate 2X to 4X faster than our current lines, significantly upgrading production efficiency. The plant will embrace Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT for real-time data analytics, AI, and machine learning to optimize processes.”
With its cutting-edge infrastructure, diverse workforce, and sustainability-driven approach, GCPL’s Chengalpattu facility sets a new benchmark in India’s FMCG manufacturing landscape—ushering in an era of progressive, people-centric, and planet-conscious industrialization.
