Foundation stone laid for Carrier Global in AP

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a new manufacturing unit of global air-conditioning major Carrier Global at Sri City, describing it as a major step toward transforming Andhra Pradesh into a leading industrial and technology hub.

The company is set to invest nearly Rs.1,000 crore in the project, which is expected to generate around 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. Addressing the gathering, Lokesh said Carrier was not merely an air-conditioner company but a pioneer that revolutionised global cooling technology. In a lighter moment, he recalled that the first AC he ever purchased was a Carrier product and humorously remarked that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu prefers keeping his room temperature at 17 degrees Celsius and now even that room uses a Carrier air-conditioner.

Outlining the state government’s long-term industrial vision, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh aims to become more than just a destination for data centres. The government is working to build a complete ecosystem for data centre manufacturing, including advanced cooling systems, chillers, precision manufacturing and power electronics.

“Globally, there is intense competition in data centres and Artificial Intelligence. Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself at the forefront of this race,” he said, adding that Carrier’s investment would strengthen the state’s digital infrastructure and industrial ecosystem. The minister said the state is moving rapidly toward becoming India’s leading air-conditioner manufacturing hub. According to him, Andhra Pradesh already hosts nine major AC manufacturers and more than 30 ancillary industries, attracting investments worth nearly Rs.12,000 crore so far. The government aims to manufacture 60 percent of India’s ACs in Andhra Pradesh by 2027 and raise the share to 80 percent by 2028 with the arrival of Carrier.

Highlighting Sri City’s growth, Lokesh said the integrated business city spread across 8,500 acres currently houses 250 companies from 31 countries and generates exports worth over 6 billion dollars annually. Around 70,000 jobs have been created there so far, with nearly half going to women employees.

He further stated that the government is developing 22 industrial clusters across the state, including AC, glass, renewable energy, data centre and space technology clusters. Lokesh also announced that the state would launch a conversational AI-based skill assessment platform named “Naipunyam” later this month to enhance industry-ready skills among youth.