Driven by the vision to empower the MSME sector in adopting cutting edge LEAN practices and make the VIKSIT BHARAT a reality, KIIT-TBI in collaboration with Tamilnadu Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (TAPMA), Chennai and National Productivity Council (NPC) organized a lean awareness campaign at Chennai on 29 th March 2025, aiming to capitalize on the region’s strong industrial base and innovation-driven mindset.
The primary objective of the program was to raise awareness and facilitate the adoption of Lean practices among the versatile MSME units. The programme witnessed the participation of 50 plus MSME units who were keen to implement LEAN in their units. The dignitaries present at the programme included; Shri. Samarendra Sahu, Advisor, KIIT – TBI, Shri. K.L Prasad, ex-Principal Economic Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, Shri S. Sivagnanam, ex-Additional Industrial Advisor office of DC MSME and ex-Director MSME DFO, Chennai, Shri. A. Muthuvezhappan, ex-DD MSME DFO Chennai and ex-Director Niti Ayog, Shri. G. Saravanan, Director and Head – NPC, AIP Chennai, Shri. Venkat Rao, President – TAPMA, Shri. S. Rakkappan, Former President – TAPMA and G. Sampath Kumar Secretary – TAPMA.
The program started with a welcome speech by Shri Venkat Rao, who spoke about how Lean practices are becoming essential for industries today, especially for MSMEs. He encouraged MSMEs to adopt these practices to reduce waste, improve quality and boost profits. Following this, Sh. Rakkappan, in his presidential address spoke about how crucial LEAN is for the MSMEs to stay competitive in the market. His simple and encouraging words connected well with the audience and gave them confidence to explore Lean for their own businesses. Sh. Sahu shared his vision for LEAN propagation with a pan India presence, KIIT-TBI’s commitment and various initiatives in MSME sector in his key note speech. Post that, Sh. Saravanan delivered an informative technical session on the scheme where he explained on scheme components, benefits and LEAN manufacturing tools and technologies. Ms. Subhasmita Sahoo from KIIT-TBI apprised the MSMEs about KIIT-TBI’s role and responsibilities in scheme implementation and other tailor-made benefits for the MSMEs apart from implementation of LEAN scheme.
Shri. Prasad during his speech, informed the importance of adopting lean manufacturing practice in production by citing the example of increasing the production and enhancing the proactivity in agricultures Sector. Shri S. Sivagnanam, reiterated that Lean practice is nothing about it is a bottom-up improvement and collective and collaborative approach in the industry that covers simplification of system, elimination of invisible expenditure, waste minimization, better utilization of Manpower, time management, process improvements, customize the service etc. It was followed by a Q&A session where the officers addressed the queries raised by the MSMEs. One of the highlights of the session was the motivating address by Vice President, TAPMA; Shri. S. Babu, who is already implementing Lean in his unit. He talked about the initial challenges and how Lean helped his unit in better productivity, waste minimization and improved product quality. His story motivated others to take the first step.
The programme ended with the heartfelt vote of thanks by Sh. Sampath Kumar, Secretary, TAPMA. He acknowledged the efforts of KIIT-TBI and NPC and assured full support from TAPMA to help more industries adopt Lean practices.
Glimpses
