Tata Group and Malabar Cements join hands to build medium-sized boats
Lulu Group chairman MA Yusuf Ali
Kochi: UAE-based multinational conglomerates Lulu Group and Sharaf Group have announced significant investments in Kerala at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS 2025) in Kochi. Both companies plan to invest Rs 5,000 crore each in various sectors, boosting the state’s economic landscape.
Abu Dhabi-headquartered Lulu Group will focus its investment on food processing, retail, IT infrastructure, and fintech. Lulu Group Executive Chairman M.A. Ashraf Ali revealed plans to establish a large-scale food processing and export unit on 20 acres in Kalamassery. The facility will include a refrigeration system for transporting agricultural produce from Kerala and Tamil Nadu to Lulu's global retail network. The group is also investing in IT infrastructure and fintech as part of the state’s proposed Global City project. Furthermore, a twin IT building complex in Kakkanad is set to commence operations soon.
In the retail sector, Lulu will launch new outlets in Perinthalmanna, Tirur, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The company's new ventures are expected to generate 15,000 jobs, with the IT towers capable of accommodating 25,000 employees.
Similarly, Dubai-based Sharaf Group has submitted a letter of interest to the Kerala government, confirming its Rs 5,000 crore investment to develop business hubs in two key locations within the state. Sharaf Group Vice-Chairman Major General (Rtd) Sharafuddin Sharaf, also the chairman of the UAE-India Business Council, made the announcement at the summit.
Tata-Artson, Malabar Cements Ink Deal for Shipbuilding Unit
Tata Enterprises' subsidiary Artson Engineering has partnered with Malabar Cements, a state-run PSU, to establish a vessel manufacturing facility in Kochi. The project, set to produce ships weighing less than 100 tonnes, will be developed on seven acres leased by Malabar Cements at Kochi Port Trust. The agreement is expected to revive the land, which had remained inactive for eight years despite significant lease payments.
Shashank Jha, CEO of Artson Engineering, highlighted the profitability of the shipbuilding sector, emphasizing the high returns on investment. He pointed to the Gati Shakti project, which aims to expand inland waterway transport, as a catalyst for increasing demand for small vessels. The upcoming shipbuilding centre is anticipated to create over 300 jobs.
Real Estate Consortium Plans New City Complex
A consortium of real estate businesses has announced plans to develop a 300-acre city complex adjacent to the proposed GIFT City in Ayyampuzha, near Nedumbassery. Initial discussions with landowners have been conducted, and a letter of interest has been submitted to the government. The project is expected to attract an investment of Rs 5,000 crore.
The announcements at IKGS 2025 underscore Kerala’s growing appeal as an investment destination, with major players committing to infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology-driven projects aimed at job creation and economic development.
Abu Dhabi-headquartered Lulu Group will focus its investment on food processing, retail, IT infrastructure, and fintech. Lulu Group Executive Chairman M.A. Ashraf Ali revealed plans to establish a large-scale food processing and export unit on 20 acres in Kalamassery. The facility will include a refrigeration system for transporting agricultural produce from Kerala and Tamil Nadu to Lulu's global retail network. The group is also investing in IT infrastructure and fintech as part of the state’s proposed Global City project. Furthermore, a twin IT building complex in Kakkanad is set to commence operations soon.
In the retail sector, Lulu will launch new outlets in Perinthalmanna, Tirur, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The company's new ventures are expected to generate 15,000 jobs, with the IT towers capable of accommodating 25,000 employees.
Similarly, Dubai-based Sharaf Group has submitted a letter of interest to the Kerala government, confirming its Rs 5,000 crore investment to develop business hubs in two key locations within the state. Sharaf Group Vice-Chairman Major General (Rtd) Sharafuddin Sharaf, also the chairman of the UAE-India Business Council, made the announcement at the summit.
Tata-Artson, Malabar Cements Ink Deal for Shipbuilding Unit
Tata Enterprises' subsidiary Artson Engineering has partnered with Malabar Cements, a state-run PSU, to establish a vessel manufacturing facility in Kochi. The project, set to produce ships weighing less than 100 tonnes, will be developed on seven acres leased by Malabar Cements at Kochi Port Trust. The agreement is expected to revive the land, which had remained inactive for eight years despite significant lease payments.
Shashank Jha, CEO of Artson Engineering, highlighted the profitability of the shipbuilding sector, emphasizing the high returns on investment. He pointed to the Gati Shakti project, which aims to expand inland waterway transport, as a catalyst for increasing demand for small vessels. The upcoming shipbuilding centre is anticipated to create over 300 jobs.
Real Estate Consortium Plans New City Complex
A consortium of real estate businesses has announced plans to develop a 300-acre city complex adjacent to the proposed GIFT City in Ayyampuzha, near Nedumbassery. Initial discussions with landowners have been conducted, and a letter of interest has been submitted to the government. The project is expected to attract an investment of Rs 5,000 crore.
The announcements at IKGS 2025 underscore Kerala’s growing appeal as an investment destination, with major players committing to infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology-driven projects aimed at job creation and economic development.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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