a) District Overview
1. Geography: Coimbatore, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu , is one of its most industrialized cities. Located on the fertile banks of river Noyyal and surrounded by the Western guts, Coimbatore is known for its textile industry earning the title of “The Manchester of the South “
2. Economic profile: Coimbatore boosts a very vibrant economic profile ranging from a flourishing agricultural industry owing to its rich black soil to its famous textile industry. With over 25,000 small, medium and large-scale industries – Coimbatore is also actively engaged in the manufacture of spare parts, motor, pups, wet grinders, textile industry equipment, engineering goods etc contributing to industries such as the automobile and foundry. Additionally, the development of Hydro electricity from the Pykara Falls in the 1930 led to a cotton boom in Coimbatore.
3. Trade connectivity: Coimbatore is well connected, making it a major trade hub. It is home to the 2nd busiest airport and railway station in Tamil Nadu after Chennai. It is also well – connected to major cities via road as possesses six major arterial roads and three National Highways
- NH-47 that connects Kanyakumari and Salem
- NH-67 that connects Mysore and Nagappattinam
- NH-209 that connects Bangalore and Dindigul
b) Key Sectors & Industries
Textiles
Coimbatore houses many small, medium and large textile mills. It also has textile research institutes like the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR)- Southern Regional station, South Indian Textiles Research Association (SITRA) and the Sardar Vallabhai Patel International School of Textiles and Management. The Coimbatore region is famed for the quality of its cotton and dyed fabric. The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) was established in 1933, is very active in the Coimbatore region and governs most of the textile industry in South India.
The growth of textiles naturally led to the inception of textile machinery manufacturing. Today, some of the best-known global brands in textile machinery and component manufacturing are home grown enterprises. Coimbatore district is as houses several cotton cleaning and pressing factories The neighbouring town of Tirupur is home to some of Asia’s largest garment manufacturing companies, exporting hosiery clothes to many countries.
Information technology and BPO
Post the launch of Tidel and other planned parks, the IT and BPO industry in the city grew rapidly making it the second largest software producer in Tamil Nadu, next only to Chennai. It was ranked one among the global outsourcing cities. Huge Companies like Aditi Technologies, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Wipro, FORD, Robert Bosch GmbH, IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Elxsi, Dell, CSS Corp and KGISL have a presence in the city.
Manufacturing Industries
Auto components
The availability of resources and skilled technical talent enabled Coimbatore to emerge as one of the most trusted outsourcing destinations for the auto component industry. Many auto component manufacturing companies are OE partners to multinational brands. Some of the auto component makers in Coimbatore include Robert Bosch GmbH, PRICOL, Craftsman Automation and Roots Industries.
Wet grinders
Coimbatore is also home for the manufacturers of mixers, grinders and its allied products. With over 700 wet grinder manufacturers different types of wet grinders are manufactured and marketed all over India and in abroad.
Pump manufacturing
Coimbatore is also called as the pump city of Asia. Today, the pump and motor manufacturing sector is among the largest engineering activities in the city. The pump manufacturing industry in Coimbatore holds a major portion of the total Indian market share. The Major Pump manufacturers Aquasub engineering, Mahendra Pumps, Suguna pumps, Sharp Industries, Deccan Pumps, CRI Pumps, Texmo Industries, PVG Industries, Flowserve, Kirloskar Brothers & KSB Pumps have manufacturing base in the city.
Jewellery and gems manufacturing
Coimbatore is one of the major gold jewellery manufacturing hubs in India. The city is home for jewellery manufacturing companies and goldsmiths. Several jewellery retail chains are based in Coimbatore or have their manufacturing base in Coimbatore. The city is home to several companies manufacturing jewellery making machinery. The city is also a major diamond cutting and polishing centre in South India.
c) Trade with the U.S.
d) Investment Opportunities
a) District Overview
1. Geography: Tirupur is located in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the river Noyyal at an elevation of 967 feet. It it primarily know for its large volumes of textile exports.
2. Economic profile: The economy of Tiruppur is primarily based on the textile industry. There are over 10,000 garment manufacturing industries in Tiruppur, employing over 600,000 people. As of 2021-22, Tiruppur exported garments worth 5.1 billion USD, contributing to nearly 54% of the all the textile exports from India. The city is known as the knitwear capital of India due to its cotton knitwear export. Special industrial parks like the Tirupur Export Knitwear Industrial complex supporting 189 sheds and the Nethaji Apparel Park housing 53 companies have been established to support the textile industry. Some of the world's largest American companies including Nike, Adidas and Reebok import textiles and clothing from Tiruppur.
3. Trade connectivity: Tirupur is we connected via rail and road with 3 main bus stops offering services to all major cities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The newarest aiport is the Coimbatore International Airport which is around 45 km away.
b) Key Sectors & Industries
Tiruppur is also known as the knitwear capital of India, accounting for 90% of India's cotton knitwear export. It contributes to a huge amount of foreign exchange in India (17,500 in 2013).The cluster at Tiruppur has a total of about 800 garment manufacturing and exporting firms and 1200 merchant exporters. The cluster has 300 garment manufacturing firms targeting the domestic market. It also has about 1800 job working garment manufacturing units targeting the domestic market. There are 700 knitted fabric manufacturing units, 425 dyeing units and about 3085 supporting finishing, embellishment, compacting, raising and finishing units.
c) Trade with the U.S.
Tirupur has been a major textile exporter, exporting men and women apparels, knitwear etc for several decades. It contributes around 90% of the total textile exports from India. Tirupur is know to export to big American brands such as GAP, Walmart and Carter’s.
d) Investment Opportunities
Tirupur is home to many manufacturing units that cater to big American brands that invest in them. Scoot Garments manufactures appareil to brands like American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Walmart etc and Bella Rose manufactures clothing for brands like TJ Max, Hot Topic Forever 21 etc.
a) District Overview
1. Geography: Salem is located on the banks of the river Thirumanimutharu surrounded by. It is the fifth largest city in the state. It is also considered a sister city to Salem city in Oregon , U.S.A due to the identical names.
2 Economic profile: .Apart from being a major textile centre with over 125 spinning mills, Salem is also known for its rich agricultural products which are often exported. Besides these, Salem is also involved in the manufacturing of stainless steel due to the Salem steel plant and also silver ornaments. Salem also has the presence of many American Multi-National Corporations, including, First American (India) Financial Corporation (FAI), Whirlpool Warehouse, and SourceHOV LLC.
3. Trade connectivity: Salem is well - connected by roal, rail and air. Tye Salem district has 6 arterial roads, which three National Highways connecting to other major cities such as Srinagar, Kochi, Coimbatore, Erode etc. It also 2 major bus stands operating bot inter and intra state buses. Besides these Salem district has 6 railway stations and a domestic airport with flights to all major cities in that region.
b) Key Sectors & Industries
Silver Industries
An important cottage industry in Salem is the making of Silver ornaments and artifacts by hand work. Nearly 2,000 kg of silver articles are manufactured per day in the Salem District. The Salem belt accounts for over 60% of silver anklets produced in the country and the products are supplied to retail outlets countrywide. Besides, it is also exported to Singapore and the US .
Textiles
With a large number of power looms and Auto looms are functioning in Salem, it is one of the main textile processing hub of Tamilnadu. Unlike Tiruppur District which is famous for Knitted apparel, Salem is famous for its Ready made Garments Manufacturing and Exporting the Ready-made Garments to various European Countries, USA , Canada and Australia .There are numerous Exporters functioning in the city engaged in exporting of garments.
Cement:
Salem houses two main cement production factories. One at Sankagiri The India Cements (Brand : Sankar Sakthi) and the other Dalmia Cements at Karuppur These two factories cater for the domestic as well as Export of Cements to countries like U.S.A.
c) Trade with the U.S.
Salem like Tirupur is a major clothing exporter. Companies like Arthanari Loom Centre Textile Pvt Ltd, manufacture clothes and export them to U.S for brands like Wrangle, lee, Jack and Jones, hollister, timberland etc.
d) Investment Opportunities
Many American companies like Nike, Vans etc have partnered with and invested in local manufactures like MALA TEX.
a) District Overview
1. Geography: It is the 2nd largest district in Tamil Nadu. Although land-locked, the presence of the Kaveri river flowing through the district makes it ideal for agriculture, a lot of which is often exported.
2. Economy: While agriculture is the major contributor, the district is also one of the most industrialized in the state. The district is known for its export of handloom textile products as well as ready-made apparel. It is also known for its oil mills, leather products, vehicle parts, electrical equipment, and metallic products.
3. Transport: The district is well connected by roads with both state and national highways. The Erode Junction railway station handles over 160 trains. The nearest international airport is the Coimbatore Airport.
b) Key Industries & Industries
Textiles and Apparel
Offering premium cotton and woven fabrics, clothing, and household textiles like bed sheets and towels, Erode's textile sector is a major exporter to the United States. The city is well-known for its sophisticated dyeing methods, and its goods are well-liked in the US market as they satisfy worldwide standards.
Turmeric and Spices
Erode is known as the turmeric district of India. The district exports turmeric and several other spices to markets around the world, including the U.S.A.
Leather Goods
Erode's leather sector satisfies the need for fine craftsmanship in its market by exporting shoes, purses, and accessories to the United States. Erode's tanneries guarantee adherence to environmental regulations, which increases their attractiveness to customers from outside.
Trade with U.S:
Erode’s main export to the American markets are handloom textiles and ready-made clothing. Several local manufacturers such as Aditya Exports export to brands like Adidas, Forever 21, Puma, etc., and Shri Raamakrishnaa Agro Foods exports agricultural products, mainly turmeric.
Investment Opportunities:
Erode is home to the Perundurai Industrial Park and SEZ, which includes several companies with investments from major international companies.
a) District Overview
Geography: Located in the Western Ghats, the district borders the states of Kerala and Karnataka. Nilgiris is known for coffee plantations, gold mines, and its breathtaking scenery.
Economy: Through industry, tourism, and agriculture, the Nilgiris district makes a substantial economic contribution to Tamil Nadu. The agricultural industry is dominated by tea farming, and the area exports some of the highest-quality tea in the world. The neighborhood also boasts a burgeoning horticulture industry with a focus on flowers, spices, and vegetables. Its economic profile is further diversified by small-scale enterprises including the production of chocolate, essential oils, and woolen goods.
Transport: The Nagapattinam–Gudalur National Highway and the Nilgiri Ghat Roads link Nilgiris with nearby cities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Ooty bus stand and Nilgiri Mountain Railway also make this district more accessible.
b) Key Industries
Tea Production:
Reputable for producing superior conventional and CTC teas, the Nilgiris exports its products to the US, the UK, and the Middle East. The tea's unique flavor and scent are a result of the region's peculiar temperature and elevation, which makes it highly sought-after worldwide.
Horticulture:
Carrots, potatoes, and broccoli are among the many hill vegetables that the area produces and exports to other nations. Its floriculture sector also prospers, as demand for cut flowers, including roses and lilies, is high across the world.
Essential Oils and Aromatics:
One significant industry is the manufacture of essential oils, such as citronella, geranium, and eucalyptus. Because of their exceptional quality, these oils are widely prized in global markets for their usage in medicines, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.
Needle Manufacturing:
The Needle Factory in Ketti, Nilgiris, is among Asia’s oldest and largest needle manufacturers. It produces a wide range of needles that are exported to various countries, serving industries like textiles, medical equipment, and handicrafts. This factory is a unique hallmark of the district's industrial profile.
Trade with U.S:
The Nilgiris district plays a significant role in the export of specialist commodities, especially essential oils, tea, and agricultural items. There are sizable markets for Nilgiris' famous tea, including organic types, in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Tea, needles, and other goods are major exports to the United States from companies including UNITEA, Pony Needle Industries, and Nestle. A range of horticultural goods, including fresh food, cut flowers, and vegetables, are also exported from the region to foreign markets.
Investment Opportunities:
The demand for Nilgiris' tea and essential oils is growing in global health and cosmetic sectors. An example of a reputable exporter is Ooty Tea Factory. There are prospects in the horticultural and floriculture industries as well, particularly in high-value exports like lilies and roses.
a) District Overview
Geography: Namakkal district, which is associated with the Kongu Nadu area, was formerly a part of the Salem district. The area is recognized as "Egg City" and the "Transport Hub of South India" due to its extensive poultry, egg, and truck bodybuilding industries.
Economy: Namakkal's robust presence in small-scale industry, poultry, and agriculture makes a substantial economic contribution to Tamil Nadu. The area is a major producer of eggs and broiler chickens, which are exported extensively. In addition, Namakkal produces vegetables, cotton, and groundnuts as part of its agricultural production and is home to expanding sectors like food processing as well as logistics and transportation services. Namakkal district is also noted for truck and lorry external body building industry and finished trucks and rig units are exported to foreign countries.
Transport: Apart from well-linked roads such as the NH-44, the district is also a major link between other cities via bus routes. The district is also connected to Salem and Karur junctions through railroads.
b) Key Industries
Poultry Farming:
Known as the "Poultry Hub of Tamil Nadu," Namakkal is a significant producer of chicken and eggs that serve both local and foreign markets, especially those in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Transport and Logistics:
With a strong road system, Namakkal is a major transportation hub that supports a booming logistics industry by enabling the transfer of goods including food items and cement.
Agriculture:
In addition to producing commodities including sugarcane, cotton, and groundnuts, the area is well-known for producing red chilies, which are exported extensively.
Trade with the U.S:
With several exporters serving global markets, including the United States, Namakkal is a significant center for the chicken business. The neighborhood is renowned for producing high-quality eggs and broiler chicken. Businesses that export processed egg products that satisfy international requirements for the food sector include SKM Egg Products Export (India) Ltd.
Investment Opportunities:
There are plenty of investment potential in Namakkal's poultry sector, especially in the export of processed egg products. U.S. investors might also look into agricultural and food processing projects that meet the need for organic products worldwide, since organic farming is becoming more and more popular. Two important companies in the sector are Nandhini Poultry and Namakkal Poultry Farm. Namakkal is a possible center for food processing and cold storage because of the district's transportation and logistics infrastructure, which also presents chances for supply chain expansion.
Geography: Karur district, originally part of the Coimbatore district, is located centrally between the Amaravati and Kaveri rivers.
Economy: Karur is famous for the production and export of Handlooms, Textiles, and Mosquito nets. It is also a well-known city for bus body building industries. The major industries in the region include the Cement Factory at Kagithapuram established by TNPL, TNPL Paper factory, The Chettinad Cement factory, and The Cheran Cements factory.
Transport: Karur is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible from various parts of India. It is served by two national highways (NH-44 and NH-67) linking major towns and has direct rail connectivity through Karur Junction with over 45 express and passenger trains. The nearest airports are in Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Coimbatore, and Madurai, offering convenient air travel options.
b) Key Industries
Textile Industry: With a robust export market in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, Karur is a significant hub for household textiles such as towels, curtains, and bed linens.
Cotton and Coir Processing: Karur is well-known for growing cotton, but it also has a sizable coir sector that produces goods for international markets, such as ropes and carpets.
Engineering and Manufacturing: The district's varied industrial base is bolstered by businesses that produce agriculture and construction machines.
Trade with the U.S: The textile sector in Karur is well-known, particularly for producing home textiles like curtains, pillowcases, and bed linens that are sold extensively to the United States by businesses like Atlas Exporters, which export products for Target and Walmart. Additionally, the area exports leather items, mostly to the European and American markets, such as belts and bags.
Investment Opportunities: Karur's home goods and textile industry provides a number of investment opportunities, especially in the production of sustainable and environmentally friendly textiles. Investing in sustainable production methods presents a significant opportunity as American customers' demands for ethical and environmentally friendly products grow. Furthermore, the region is a desirable site for logistics and storage operations due to its infrastructure, which includes connectivity and export-oriented regulations.