Foundry industry in India, as we know it now, started around 1940 in Howrah and then later on spread to other states such as, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamilnadu. At present around 500 units exist in West Bengal with an installed capacity of 1 Million tonnes. 95% of these units are concentrated in the district of Howrah forming an informal cluster.

The growth rate of industrial development in West Bengal is around 7% during the last decade. The WBIDC is the prime state level agency for promoting industrial investment and activities includes development of growth centers, specialized parks, special economic and export zones through creation of world class infrastructure, streamlining investment and boosting up the investment friendly environment. In addition to the conventional industrial set up of the state, major thrust areas are Iron and Steel industry, Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunications etc.
The Iron and Steel industry in the state is experiencing a resurgence. During the last 13 years from 1991 to 2003, there was an investment of more than Rs. 7000 crore another Rs. 2100 crore is in the pipeline.Due to globalization, there is an upsurge in demand for quality castings. At the same time, competition in the world and domestic markets has increased. The existing foundries in its present form are currently not adequately equipped to manufacture quality castings at competitive prices and hence need thorough modernization.

Realizing the need for modernization, expansion and relocation of foundries at Howrah, the Government of West Bengal had suggested WBIDC and Indian Foundry Association to set up a Foundry Park near the vicinity of the existing Howrah foundry cluster. Once it was principally accepted by all concerned, GoWB formulated and forwarded the Project under Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS), to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GOI.
  

FCDA is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by the industry stakeholders, as required under the IIUS scheme of Government of India, to implement the Foundry Park Project. The Company was incorporated on 29.04.05, having its registered office at Kolkata, India. The Executive Council currently consists of Chairman-WBIDC and industry stakeholders as Senior Vice Chairman, Vice Chairmen & members. The Executive Council also includes two nominees of Government of India.
The Foundry Park will be developed on 924 acres of land on Ranihati-Amta Road, 5 kms off the National Highway 6, in Howrah (West Bengal). It is well connected also with NH-2, South-Eastern Railway and Kolkata & Haldia dock system. Connectivity with Kolkata is also easy and smooth through Kona Express way and Vidyasagar Setu (2nd Howrah Bridge).

The park will have all the essential infrastructure and modern facilities including:
  
 
Adequate road network, Power and water distribution systems and drainage system.
 
A modern Information, marketing and management upgradation center Common facilities including Toolroom, testing laboratory and material handling equipment
 
Industrial Training InstituteGuesthouse, canteen and allied facilities.Utilities including Fire Station, bank counters, Post office etc.
 
Landscaping, buffer zone of dense vegetation and water bodies
 
Within the park, one of its phases is also being planned as a Special Economic Zone.

It is expected that the Foundry park will house around 150 units with an expected annual output of 1/2 million tonnes in its first year of operation, which is expected to reach 1 million tonnes in the next five years.
 
The new park will accommodate the modernization, expansion and relocation program of foundries of Howrah in West Bengal and even from other parts of India through cluster approach, enabling them to capitalize on the increased demand in both the domestic and international market. The annual growth rate of foundry industry after relocation to the park is expected to be much higher than that it would realize in the existing set-up. Infrastructure and common facilities of international standards will enhance quality and productivity with reduced production costs and would thus enhance the competitiveness of the industry. The park will have provision and infrastructure for technology transfer, Research & Development and marketing set-up.
  
     
 
It is envisaged the proposed Foundry Park will bring an investment of Rs 15 to 16 billion (equivalent to USD 3 to 4 billion approx) and create direct employment for 30,000 people and indirect employment for 100,000 people.
 
Economy of West Bengal will receive a boost, especially in the metallurgical sector.
 
Long pending modernization program of Howrah foundry cluster can be realized.
 
Opportunity to set up foundries of international standards to attract Foreign direct investment.
 
Improvement in environment.
  
Foundry Cluster Development Association
4, India Exchange Place, 7th Floor
Kolkata , WB 700001
Tel:
 091-33-22206790 / 22104315
Fax:
 091-33-22214548
Email:
 foundrypark@fcda.in