Vendor Development Workshop Held in Collaboration with UAIL and MSME
Bureau,Odishabarta
Rayagada, 21/11: Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, in association with the Odisha Government’s Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), organised a Vendor Development Workshop at the Nuapada Township Club House, Doraguda, under the RAMP programme
The session aimed to connect local small and medium enterprises with UAIL and provided detailed information on supply opportunities, quality standards, and the vendor registration process.
Attending as the chief guest, Additional District Magistrate Naveen Chandra Naik highlighted the important role of small industries in regional industrial growth. In his address, he encouraged local entrepreneurs to make the most of the significant business opportunities offered by UAIL.
Unit Head and President Rabi Narayan Mishra spoke about UAIL’s commitment to developing local vendors and contributing to the regional economy. He noted that small-scale industries, by supplying raw materials and components to large industries, can generate substantial economic benefits and create employment at the grassroots level. This, he said, aligns with the Government of India’s “Make in India” mission and supports broader social and economic development.
He added that India, which once faced challenges in manufacturing high-quality engineering products, is now capable of producing world-class equipment. MSMEs, he said, can further strengthen their position by ensuring quality production within stipulated timelines.
Commercial Department Head Shashi Prakash Gupta outlined UAIL’s annual procurement requirements, including raw materials, consumables, supportive materials, and related quality standards such as IS and BIS certifications.
He also explained the testing procedures, necessary documentation, steps to become an approved vendor, and the registration process on the UAIL Vendor Portal, along with pre-qualification and evaluation criteria.
CSR Head Lopamudra Mishra highlighted UAIL’s social responsibility initiatives, community development programmes, and their impact on local communities. She also shared examples of MSME entrepreneurs who have benefitted from CSR-led livelihood and enterprise projects.
Finance Head Mrinmoy Mondal and HR Head Narayan Mitra shared perspectives on the significance and growth of the MSME sector.Entrepreneurs from various sectors across Rayagada district actively took part in an interactive Q&A session, seeking clarity on technical specifications, certification processes, payment terms, and collaboration opportunities. The workshop facilitated valuable networking between entrepreneurs, the UAIL procurement team, and government officials.
In his welcome remarks, Chittaranjan Mallik, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Rayagada, highlighted the strong potential for local MSMEs to participate in UAIL’s supply chain.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Pitambar Behera, General Manager, Public Relations.
The workshop was successfully organised through the joint efforts of UAIL and the District Industries Centre. Participants also engaged directly with the procurement team to explore future partnership avenues. Officials including Diganta Mohanty, Rupen Pattnayak, and Rohit Sagar were present. The programme was coordinated by Senior Consultant, MSME Department, Ankita Aditya Bhatt.
