Hyderabad, January 21: Brightening up the chances for the state to jump back to developmental activities, the US-based Brighton Group came forward to set up its nuclear power equipment manufacturing unit in the state. If all goes well, the company would start operations in the state within two years and manufacture the largest forged steel components used in third generation nuclear power plants for national and international markets.
The Brighton Group delegation led by its chairman Kit Kung today called on chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and major industries minister J Geeta Reddy to discuss the setting up of the Rs 2,880-crore project.
Brighton Group has already expanded its offices in China and is moving to India as part of its expansion plans. It had asked the state government to allot about 800 acres of land at Nakkapalli mandal in Visakhapatnam district.
Geeta Reddy said most of the land belongs to the state government and the rest will be acquired from private persons through Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC).
Commercial operations of the company will commence within two years providing direct employment to about 2,500 highly skilled persons and indirect employment to another 10,000 persons.
In addition, the ancillary units for the proposed facility will provide direct and indirect employment to another one lakh persons.
“Arrangements are being made to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Brighton Group and the APIIC within two weeks. The state government has agreed to provide necessary infrastructure like roads, water and power as part of the Andhra Pradesh industrial policy. More such companies are coming forward to invest in the state indicating that Andhra Pradesh remains to be the favourite destination for investments,” Geeta Reddy said.
Brighton Group chairman Kit Kung said the availability of the infrastructure like ports and investor-friendly government prompted them to chose Andhra Pradesh to establish its factory.
Principal secretary B Sam Bob, APIIC vice-chairman and managing director BR Meena and other officials were present.
–Agencies