The MEPZ presently has an area of about 262 acres (109 hectares). Of this, an area of 98 acres was developed first as Phase-I. The rest of the area was developed as Zones A and B in Phase-II.
The Zone offers developed plots as well as ready-built factory space.
Land
Developed plots of sizes varying from 1 to 5 acres can be allotted on lease basis. The period of lease is 15 years, renewable thereafter. Plots in the first phase area have almost completely been allotted. A few plots in Zone A of Phase-II and plots in Zone B measuring about 28acres in all, are available.
Buildings
The Zone offers built-up space in Standard Design Factories (SDF) on lease basis. The lease is initially for five years and is renewable thereafter. SDF-I has 56 units of 500 sq. metres each. SDF-II has 64 units of 301 sq. metres each. All space in the these two buildings has been allotted.
A Gem and Gold Jewellery Complex with 8 units of 200 sq.metres each, has been constructed. All the units have been allotted on lease basis.
SDF-III which will have 86 units of 324 sq.metres each is under construction. Space in the first phase of this building will be available for allotment on ownership basis from August '97. The built up space has to be purchased from National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) which is putting up the building. Lease rent in respect of the land will be payable to MEPZ. The NBCC has priced each module at about Rs.2.9. million (US $ 0.08 mn). Lease rent payble to MEPZ is about Rs.9320 (US $ 267) per annum for each module.
Construction of SDF IV has also commenced. This building with four units of about 1140 sq.metres each will be ready by September,1997. Space in this building will be allotted on lease basis.
Power
The Tamil Nadu Government has assured uninterrupted power supply
to the units in the Zone. The Govt. has also exempted the units in the
Zone from power cuts. A separate 230KV Sub-Station, capable of supplying
30 MW is functioning exclusively for MEPZ units.
Finance
Financial institutions, nationalised banks and commercial banks
provide the required finance term loan as well as working capital finance.
Indian Bank has a branch functioning within the Zone.
Manpower
Abundant supply of manpower - technical, managerial, skilled, unskilled etc. is available. Traditionally, workers in Tamil Nadu are gifted with natural intelligence and are disciplined, sincere and hard working.
Labour laws
Labour and factory legislations of the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu are applicable in the zone. MEPZ has been declared a `Public Utility' under the Industrial Disputes Act by the State Government.
Work hours are 48 per week.
Provident Fund becomes applicable after 3 to 5 years. Employers’ contribution to PF is limited to 8%.
Employees’ State Insurance Scheme provides medical cover to employees. Employer’s contribution is approximately 5% of the wage bill.
Bonus law prescribes a minimum of 8.33% and a maximum of 20%. However , bonus is not obligatory in the first five years, if profits are not earned.
Gratuity is payable at 15 days wages for each completed year of service.
Many firms provide subsidised meals and transport to workers.
A creche for children of working mothers is operated by the MEPZ Manufacturers’ Association (MEPZMA).
Telecommunications
Sanction for Telephone Connection is issued immediately by the
Telecom Department against 200 lines reserved for the Zone. 50 telex lines
have also been allotted. Units are also permitted to import and install
facsimile equipment free of customs duty. Software units in the zone are
availing themselves of Packet Assembler Disassembler (PAD) facility for
international data communication. E-mail facilities are also available.
The zone has also installed a VSAT. A telecom centre and post office are
available in the zone.
Port facilities
Cargo handling facilities include a modern container terminal at Chennai harbour which is located only 24 kms away. Almost all the international shipping lines visit regularly.
Airport
Chennai International Airport is located only 6km from the zone. Many leading airlines are offering regular international services through Chennai.
Transport
Located on the National Highway, the Zone is well connected
with all parts of Chennai and its satellite townships by suburban electric
railways, regular route buses, chartered vehicles, taxis, three wheelers,
vans, trucks etc. thus making transport of men or materials easy.
Warehouse
A warehouse of 3000 tons capacity is available in the Zone to
store machinery, raw materials, finished goods etc.
Water
Water is supplied by MEPZ to meet the requirements of units
in the Zone.
Township
A modern township is being developed near the Zone to provide housing facilities for entrepreneurs and employees of units in MEPZ. 390 flats have already been completed and more flats are under construction. The flats are allotted on outright sale or hire purchase basis by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board.