Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited (PVPL) has introduced an all-women workforce to assemble the Apé Electrik range of electric three-wheelers at its Baramati plant in Maharashtra. The company says that the women workforce have been inducted from various technical institutes located in and around the facility.
The women were also trained on the safety procedures, usage of tools, electric vehicles and the latest technology related to BMS, motor, E-box before being introduced to the assembly line. PVPL says it has also redesigned the workplace to make it more ergonomically suited and comfortable for the women employees.
“In line with our group philosophy, we have created the EV assembly line that is fully operated by a female workforce. I want to remark that this is only the starting point, & we have a long way to go. We will have inclusion of more women at the assembly line, plant premises, and offices. This is not just to empower women but also to bring workforce equality in the auto sector which was long due.”
Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd
The female workforce at Piaggio’s Baramati plant assembles all its electric models, that include the Apé E-City and Apé E-Xtra, which comes in both fixed and Swappable battery models. The women working on the Apé Electrik assembly line will be responsible for quality control checks, fitting, assembly, electrical, and overall material management. PVPL claims that this initiative has not just created employment for women in Baramati but has also helped destroy the stereotype of women working in manufacturing plants. The company says that understanding the technology and acquiring the right skillsets are the criteria to bring employees on board and not their gender.
