Tata Chemicals (TCL), part of Tata Group, is planning a massive expansion near its chemical complex in Mithapur region of Gujarat for an investment of Rs 700-1,000 crore. The company is in the process of acquiring 600 acres near its existing facility in Gujarat. "Of the 600 acres, only 24 acres is wasteland given by the government, while the regaining portion is private land that is being bought by the Tatas at current market rates," said government sources close to the development. The company is planning to ramp up its soda-ash and salt capacity at the proposed new facility. Industry watchers feel that the expansion could partly be for a new glass manufacturing unit that the company is mulling near San and, for which Rs 1,000 crore has been invested. Glass from this unit will also be used for its Nano car, in which the glass component is about 30% its surface area.
