Kirloskar Ferrous to invest Rs 3,000 crore in Karnataka: Minister M B Patil
Bengaluru (PTI): Kirloskar Ferrous Industries, a manufacturer of pig iron and grey iron castings, will invest Rs 3,000 crore in its Hiriyuru plant in Karnataka over the next three years, Industries Minister M B Patil said on Tuesday.
He said that several major firms, including Wipro PARI, Atlas Copco, Bel-Rise Industries, Finolex, and Fluid Controls Limited have shown interest in investing in the state.
"These companies, which are ready to bring in new investments, will be extended full support from the government in terms of land, infrastructure, and other facilities," Patil was quoted as saying by his office in a release.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Department of Industries and Commerce, the minister conducted a roadshow in Pune and held discussions with several prominent industrialists regarding investment opportunities in Karnataka.
Patil said that Kirloskar Ferrous already has a unit at Hiriyuru in Chitradurga district and plans to upgrade it.
"The company intends to start sponge pipe production and enhance the capacity of its steel manufacturing unit. It will also increase iron ore processing and modernise its foundry operations," he said.
Highlighting the company's contribution to the local economy, the minister noted that nearly 99 per cent of its employees are Kannadigas.
"This will further strengthen regional economic growth and promote inclusive development," he said. Kirloskar has also been contributing 2 per cent of its profits to its CSR fund for over 20 years, with a focus on improving healthcare facilities in rural areas, he added.
Noting that Wipro PARI has already set up an electronic copper laminate manufacturing unit in Karnataka, Patil said, construction began two days ago at the KIADB industrial area in Adinarayana Hosahalli, near Doddaballapura. The company also plans to establish a Smart Robotics Laboratory there.
Sweden-based Atlas Copco, known for sustainable industrial manufacturing, acquired Bengaluru-headquartered HHV Pumps in 2021, he said, the company now plans to expand its production operations in Karnataka.
Stating that Bel-Rise Industries, which has made a mark in the aerospace and defence sectors, already operates units at Narsapura in Kolara and Beluru Industrial Area in Dharwad, the minister said, the company recently acquired H-One Private Limited and has sought 25 acres of land in Mysuru to expand its operations. "This proposal will be reviewed."
Finolex, known for its PVC pipes and fittings, is expected to set up a unit in Karnataka, while Fluid Controls Limited has proposed an investment of Rs 90 crore and has requested five acres of land, which will be allotted soon, the minister said.
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
