Coimbatore, Mar 6 (KNN)  Several public sector undertakings are currently participating in the two day vendor development programme organised by the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) here.
 
The event being held on March-5 and 6 is organised by CODISSIA and the MSME Development Institute.
 
As many as 120 MSME units are participating in the programme having put up stalls to showcase their products, an executive from CODISSIA, S Selvakumar told KNN.
 
Among the 15 public sector undertakings (PSU) present there are BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Southern Railways, Integral Coach Factory – Chennai and Neyveli Lignite Corporation; who are looking to expand their vendor base.  While most of them have already been sourcing components from small and medium units in the area, they are keen to enlist more suppliers.
 
The event provided a platform for MSMEs and PSUs to interact and know about their capabilities and requirements.   For small units which are not already suppliers, it gave them an ideal opportunity to learn about the kind of products PSUs are interested in
 
According to reports, Integral Coach Factory in Chennai which is in the processing of manufacturing stainless steel coaches has made various design and technical changes and hence has requirement for new products.
 
Meanwhile Neyveli Lignite Corporation which displayed samples of silica sand and clay is also keen to expand its vendor base.
 
Owing to the ongoing economic slowdown, several PSUs had curtailed their spending last year.  Interaction at the vendor development programme has indicated signs of revival and the units are hopeful that demand would pick up this year.  (KNN/ES)