Mahindra Ideal Lanka showcases production facility at Welipenna and the KUV 100

Mahindra Ideal Lanka opened doors at its vehicle assembly plant in Lewwanduwa, Welipenna to the media recently, giving visitors a detailed look at the assembly of the Mahindra KUV 100 at the facility. 

A partnership between diversified global conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra and Ideal Group, this vehicle assembly plant represents the first-ever investment by a globally-acclaimed auto major in Sri Lanka with an investment of over Rs. 3 billion. The popular mini SUV, KUV 100, is assembled at the plant and sold in Sri Lanka with a built-in capacity of about 40,000 units, annually employing over 100.

The state-of-the-art production facility is built to global standards and on par with other Mahindra plants in India, and is currently evaluating a production facility in Michigan, USA. The investment in Matugama, Sri Lanka is part of Mahindra Group’s and Ideal’s commitment to strengthen brand presence in the country, and its first dedicated showroom was opened in Colombo recently. The company said it will consider exporting units from Sri Lanka in the future based on market and financial considerations. 

The sprawling facility spread hopes to expand to 200 employees over the next two years, and it uses locally manufactured components in the production of the KUV 100. Visitors to the facility on the day were also afforded a test drive of the Mahindra KUV 100, which, with a 1.2 litre gasoline engine, provides ample performance in its class. With dual airbags, space, solid build, and modern infotainment and electronic-assisted systems, the KUV 100 is expected to make a significant impact on the small SUV segment in the country. 

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera