In early 2024, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) announced a significant step in its expansion strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Government. This partnership entails the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thiruporur taluk, Chengalpattu, near Chennai, at an investment of ₹515 crore over the next five years.
The company is proud that this will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs in the state of Tamil Nadu, and they’re respectful of the responsibility this creates, particularly in a state with a long history of women excelling in manufacturing. Picking up on that history, amplified by their own commitment to gender diversity, GCPL plans to establish their most inclusive and gender-balanced workforce yet in developing their lighthouse factory here.
“Our plan is to employ 50% of women for this facility along with 5% of employees from LGBTQ and PwD communities,” Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson of GCPL, said, and highlighted the significance of the investment in aligning with India's growth trajectory and creating over 400 job opportunities in Tamil Nadu. She announced the expansion in the presence of the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin.
The proposed facility aims to enhance GCPL’s market presence in southern India, catering to increasing demand for its diverse portfolio of products, including popular brands like Cinthol, Godrej Expert Rich Crème, Godrej Selfie Shampoo Hair Colour, and GoodKnight. They believe it’s an example of how the moral and business cases for advancing DEI efforts can work in tandem. GCPL’s expansion into Tamil Nadu signifies not only a strategic business move but also a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce, while contributing to the state's economic development and community welfare.
The company envisions the new facility as a “lighthouse factory,” which will set benchmarks in sustainability, safety, and automation while championing diversity and inclusion, reflecting several steps in the right direction. The collaborative effort between GCPL and the Tamil Nadu government has received praise from Dr. TRB Rajaa, the state’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce. He commended GCPL’s progressive mindset, and Godrej as “a true diversity torchbearer.”
Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image from LinkedIn/NisabaGodrej
This facility aims to have an inclusive and gender-balanced workforce. Our plan is to employ 50% of women for this facility along with 5% of employees from LGBTQ and PwD communities.
- Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson, GCPL