Maruti Suzuki Inaugurates Advanced Smart Factory Lab at Lucknow Polytechnic College

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has opened a Smart Factory Lab at Government Polytechnic College in Lucknow, marking an expansion of the company's efforts to strengthen skill development and forge stronger ties between educational institutions and industry.

The facility will serve approximately 400 diploma students during its first year of operation, providing them with practical training in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The initiative forms part of Maruti Suzuki's broader Corporate Social Responsibility strategy focused on workforce development.

The Smart Factory Lab has been designed to equip students with real-world experience in modern production systems and advanced manufacturing practices. By offering hands-on exposure to contemporary technologies, the facility aims to narrow the gap between what students learn in classrooms and what they encounter on actual factory floors.

The laboratory houses equipment covering automation, Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), pneumatics, energy measurement, and motion control systems. These installations are configured to mirror actual manufacturing environments, enabling students to develop practical competencies while under the mentorship of Maruti Suzuki technical experts.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer for Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, described skill development as a cornerstone of the company's CSR work. "By establishing Smart Factory Labs in government colleges, we are preparing professionals aligned with India's Skill India mission," he said. "These facilities will create experiential learning opportunities that address the manufacturing sector's evolving requirements and help students gain confidence in operating industry-specific equipment."

Beyond this facility, Maruti Suzuki has established four Japan India Institutes for Manufacturing (JIM), developed through collaboration between the Japanese and Indian governments. These institutes focus on imparting advanced manufacturing techniques, practical shop-floor management, and soft skills grounded in Japanese manufacturing methodologies.

The Smart Factory Lab aims to develop students' technical abilities and foster the professional mindset demanded by modern industry. With guidance from company specialists, students will acquire the capabilities needed for careers in smart manufacturing environments.

During the inauguration ceremony, Maruti Suzuki distributed merit-based scholarships to five students from Government Polytechnic College, Lucknow, recognizing academic achievement among the student body.