Taking leaf from the 'Make in India' theme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an export-oriented plastic cluster has been proposed to be set up at an investment of over Rs 100 crore in Lucknow.

The cluster, proposed at Amausi industrial enclave, would be set up by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) chamber Indian Industries Association (IIA) in collaboration with Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Lucknow.

IIA Lucknow chapter president Man Mohan Agarwal said the proposal had been formally placed before UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) for approval.

"We have sought around 1,800 sq mt of industrial plot for the proposed cluster from UPSIDC and now await their reply," he informed.

The cluster is projected to generate direct employment opportunities to nearly 2,500 youth and spur industrial activity in the region. "So far almost 200 industrialists and entrepreneurs have expressed interest in opening units in the proposed cluster," Agarwal claimed.

The Lucknow region has of late developed as a mini-hub of plastic industries, producing a range of consumer and industrial products viz. pipes, bathroom items, pellets, packaging etc.

"However, these are mostly low value products. Once this cluster is established, high value and latest technology products could be manufactured for both domestic and foreign markets," he underlined. They are eyeing South Asian, African and Latin American markets for exports.

CIPET would provide consultancy to the project and also individual industries in the cluster. It would also allow units to use its facilities comprising latest industrial, testing and manufacturing machines, CIPET senior technical officer Vishal Verma said.

CIPET has already submitted a Diagnostic Study Report (DSR) on the proposed cluster to the Centre. IIA is seeking interest free loan from the state government for the cluster.

Source:-business-standard.com