Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wipro 3D to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in additive manufacturing at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi. The collaboration aims to strengthen industry–academia partnerships and develop future-ready capabilities in advanced manufacturing technologies.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organizations. From Toyota Kirloskar Motor, key dignitaries included Hiroki Ando, Vice President – HR & Services, and Lakshmikeshava Shastry, Vice President, Information Technology, Digital & Cyber Security. Representing Wipro 3D was Pratik Kumar, CEO, Wipro Infrastructure Engineering; Shripad Ramanathan, Vice President & Finance Head; Yathiraj Kasal, General Manager & Business Head, Wipro 3D; and Deepak, Sales Head, Wipro 3D.
The CoE will serve as a dedicated platform for skill development, applied learning and innovation, equipping students with hands-on exposure to additive manufacturing and its real-world industrial applications. The collaboration is designed to integrate emerging manufacturing technologies into training programs and help students gain experience in modern production environments.
As part of the engagement, Wipro 3D will provide technical expertise, workforce upskilling, and structured training modules. The program will include internships, apprenticeships, live industry projects, certification courses, workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives. It will also focus on Kaizen-driven continuous improvement practices and Industry 4.0 technologies such as digital manufacturing, smart systems and resource optimization.
The initiative will support rapid prototyping, development of production aids, lightweight and optimized components and on-demand manufacturing of parts by leveraging Wipro 3D’s capabilities. This is expected to accelerate new product development (NPD), improve assembly line efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance operational flexibility.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. G. Shankara, Chief Strategy Officer, TKM, said, “Our Human Resource Development philosophy at TKM follows core principles of Toyota such as, Continue the Quest for Improvement, Show Respect for People, under which we thrive hard to develop individuals in the Latest Technology of the New Age Era of automotive field. We are also committed to nurturing skilled talent and strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem. This collaboration will play an imperative role in nurturing future-ready talent, while contributing meaningfully to the Government’s Skill India Mission.”
Yathiraj Kasal, Business Head and General Manager, Wipro 3D, said, “This association reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem through capability building and innovation, while creating industry-relevant learning experiences.”
Established in 2007, TTTI has emerged as a model institution for vocational education in India, offering a three-year fully residential training program in key trades including Automobile Assembly, Welding, Painting, and Mechatronics. In 2023, TTTI significantly expanded its annual intake from 1200 to 2400 students, with half the seats now reserved for female candidates, advancing gender inclusion in technical education.
