India’s largest carmaker is now helping shape the next generation of factory-floor talent, and this time, the classroom comes with automation systems, IIoT modules, and motion control setups instead of just dusty blackboards.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Smart Factory Lab at Government Polytechnic College in Lucknow, aiming to equip diploma students with hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing technologies. The initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and aligns with the Government of India’s ambitious Skill India mission.
The new facility is expected to train around 400 students in its inaugural year, giving them practical exposure to technologies increasingly becoming the backbone of modern manufacturing plants. In simpler words, students will now get closer to real factory environments long before they enter one wearing a hard hat and ID card.
The Smart Factory Lab features training modules on automation, Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), pneumatics, energy measurement systems, and motion control technologies. The idea is to bridge the often-criticised gap between textbook theory and actual shop-floor realities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said the company sees skill development as a core pillar of its CSR initiatives.
According to him, the labs are designed to create future-ready professionals by offering experiential learning opportunities that match the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector. He added that such initiatives not only minimise the skill gap but also boost students’ confidence in handling industry-specific equipment.
Maruti Suzuki also highlighted its broader skilling ecosystem, including four Japan India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) centres developed in collaboration with the governments of India and Japan. These institutes focus on advanced manufacturing practices inspired by Japanese shop-floor systems and work culture — because apparently, precision and discipline are now part of the curriculum too.
The company has already established similar Smart Factory Labs in Government Polytechnic Colleges located in Lucknow, IERT Allahabad, Ambala, and Nilokheri. Together, these labs are expected to support practical learning for students preparing to enter India’s rapidly evolving manufacturing sector.
To encourage academic excellence, Maruti Suzuki also awarded merit-based scholarships to five students during the inauguration ceremony at Government Polytechnic College, Lucknow.
Beyond polytechnic institutes, Maruti Suzuki continues to expand its involvement in vocational education across India. The company currently supports 31 Government ITIs across 10 states and Union Territories under its CSR programme, offering training and placement assistance in manufacturing trades.
Additionally, the automaker has set up Advanced Manufacturing Labs in 18 ITIs to provide specialised automotive manufacturing training. During FY 2025-26 alone, nearly 15,000 students received training at Maruti Suzuki-supported ITIs.
As Indian manufacturing steadily moves toward smart factories and connected production systems, Maruti Suzuki’s initiative may prove valuable in preparing students for jobs that increasingly require digital and technical expertise. After all, tomorrow’s factory worker might need to troubleshoot a sensor network before touching a wrench.
