Brazilian electrical equipment manufacturer WEG has chosen Tamil Nadu over Andhra Pradesh for a proposed global manufacturing investment of approximately Rs 2,000 crore in Dharmapuri, with the project expected to generate around 3,000 employment opportunities.The decision comes after Andhra Pradesh actively pitched Kuppam to secure the investment. Tamil Nadu eventually emerged as the company's preferred destination following multiple rounds of discussions with the state's Industries Department and Industries Minister Selvi S.
Keerthana.The Tamil Nadu government said the development comes amid growing speculation and political claims about investments shifting from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh. It said WEG's decision to establish its manufacturing investment in Dharmapuri was significant in this context, as the state secured the proposed expansion despite competing offers from neighbouring states.HOW TAMIL NADU SECURED THE WEG INVESTMENTThe company's decision followed a series of engagements between its leadership and Tamil Nadu's Industries Department, which pursued the investment through multiple stages.
The process began on July 6, 2026, when the WEG team held an initial meeting with the leadership of Guidance, Tamil Nadu's investment promotion agency. This was followed by a customised investment pitch highlighting the state's manufacturing ecosystem and industrial capabilities.On July 21, the company representatives visited the proposed investment location to assess the site.
A follow-up meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, was held on August 18. The final round of discussions took place on October 16 in Bengaluru, where Industries Minister Selvi S.
Keerthana met WEG's leadership. Following this meeting, the company confirmed its preference for Tamil Nadu.DHARMAPURI TO BENEFIT FROM 3,000 JOB OPPORTUNITIESBeyond the proposed Rs 2,000-crore investment, the project's location in Dharmapuri is significant for the state's regional industrial development plans.The manufacturing facility has the potential to generate approximately 3,000 employment opportunities, benefiting Dharmapuri and surrounding regions.The Tamil Nadu government's stated objective is to extend industrial growth beyond the state's traditional manufacturing hubs and attract investments to districts that have not historically been major industrial centres.The WEG project is expected to contribute to this effort by bringing a major global manufacturing investment to Dharmapuri.The Industries Department has attributed the outcome to sustained investor engagement, responsive facilitation and the availability of competitive industrial infrastructure.The development is also being positioned as part of the industrial growth approach under Chief Minister Thiru C.
Joseph Vijay, with an emphasis on attracting global investments while ensuring balanced regional development.- Ends