T.N. CM Stalin inaugurates VinFast’s EV manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday (August 4, 2025) inaugurated Vietnamese EV maker VinFast’s manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi.

Spread across 408 acres at the SIPCOT industrial complex in Sillanatham, the plant – VinFast’s first in the country – is expected to generate over 3,500 jobs in the next five years. It is part of a ₹16,000-crore investment pact inked between VinFast and the Tamil Nadu government during the Global Investors Meet last year.

Speaking after inaugurating the plant, Mr. Stalin said the facility was built in record time – within 17 months of the signing of the MoU
| Photo Credit:
N. Rajesh

The plant will initially have a production capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, with the potential to reach 1,50,000 to meet future demand.

Speaking after inaugurating the plant, Mr. Stalin said the facility was built in record time – within 17 months of the groundbreaking ceremony.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse, he said, “Chennai is India’s Detroit.” He added that Thoothukudi was also fast emerging as an automotive hub.

Pointing out that VinFast had provided jobs to hundreds of local youth under the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ initiative, he said its investments would drive growth and development not only in Thoothukudi but also in other southern districts of the State.

The plant will initially have a production capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, with the potential to reach 1,50,000 to meet future demand.
| Photo Credit:
N. Rajesh

Noting that VinFast’s parent company Vingroup also had other business interests including education, real estate, and hospitality, he invited the Vietnamese conglomerate to bring more investments into Tamil Nadu, adding that the State government would provide all necessary support.

‘Sign’ifying the launch

The Chief Minister put his signature on the bonnet of a VF7 model to launch the rollout of cars from the shop floor.

Ministers T.R.B. Rajaa, Geetha Jeevan, and Anitha Radhakrishnan, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandham, and VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau were among those present at the event.