Mumbai:Supported by the Government of Gujarat and accredited with University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMASS), USA, Plastindia International University is shaping up be the first University dedicated to create specialized managerial and technical talent for Plastics sector. This would be only the second such university in the world after UMASS in USA.

Located at the 37 acre campus at Vapi, The Plastindia International University would have a 4-year B.Tech, a 2-year M.Tech and a Doctorate Programme in Plastic, Chemical and Mechanical engineering. There would be several short-duration Management Development Programs and will start with the next academic year(July 2017).

Dr. John Feudo, vice chancellor for advancement at UMass Lowell and Dr. Joseph Hartman, Dean of the Francis College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Dr. Joseph F Latham, Vice Provost for Innovation and Work Force Department and Dr. Ramaswamy Nagarajan are in India to put final touches to the course curriculum and other details for graduate, post-graduate and doctorate studies. The website, www.plastindia.edu.in was inaugurated at an event where many senior industry leaders were present.

Commented Mr. Arvind Mehta, President, Governing Body of Plastindia International University, “We are happy at the way the university is shaping up. Plastics industry’s concern for the environment is reflected in the way the education will be imparted. Completely paperless, the University’s unique point will be its active culture of knowledge through a combination of theory and practice. Plastindia International University will be a nerve-centre of research in the sector as a lot of emphasis would be on scientific esearch. Students will get an all-round exposure including learning of practical skills. The technical centre will have machinery for moulding, design software and tooling equipment using the best technology and learning platforms available. The governing body has seniors of Indian plastics industry which reflects industry’s keenness.”

There are over 50,000 small, medium and large units involved in Plastics manufacturing in India. Largely driven by the entrepreneurial instincts of the manufacturers, the sector depended upon talent pool with generalized education, thus compromising on the reliability and specialized skills necessary to manage the businesses. Also, the University is relevant to the next generation of entrepreneurs to hone their abilities in real conditions. Skilled workforce would be even more needed as India is catching up fast from annual per capita consumption of 10 kgs to a world per capita average of 26 kgs. India’s plastics production capacity is scheduled to double to 20 million metric tonnes in next 5 years.

Plastindia International University is sponsored by Plastindia Foundation, the apex body of Plastics industry in India.

DeshGujarat