7.8   Industries

. Industries Industries use raw materials and convert them into usable product or goods. Textiles, sugar, paper, leather, cement, electrical equipment, automobiles, information technology and tourism are the major industries of Tamil Nadu. Textile Industry Textile industry is one of the traditionally well-developed industries in Tamil Nadu. The textile mills are concentrated in Coimbatore, Tirupur, Salem, Palladam, Karur, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Madurai and Erode. Erode in Tamil Nadu is well known for marketing of handloom, power loom and readymade garments. Coimbatore is also known as the ‘Manchester of South India. Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Karur and Salem contribute a major share to the state’s economy through textiles. So, this region is referred as ‘Textile Valley of Tamil Nadu’. Textile Industry Silk Textiles Tamil Nadu occupies fourth position in the country in silk production. Kancheepuram silk is unique in its quality and is known for its traditional value all over the world. Kancheepuram, Arani, Kumbakonam, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli are the important silk-weaving centres in Tamil Nadu. Ramanathapuram has some specialised areas for the manufacturing of synthetic silk clothes. Leather Industry Tamil Nadu accounts for % of leather tanning processes of India and % of all leather footwear, garments and components. Hundreds of leather tanneries are located around Vellore and nearby towns, such as Ranipet, Ambur and Vaniyambadi. The Vellore district is the top exporter of finished leather goods in the country. Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), a CSIR research laboratory, is located in Chennai. GI Tag GI(Geographical Indication)is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location. It provides rights and protection of holders. Some important GI Tags of Tamil Nadu are: Place Products Arani Silk Kancheepuram Silk Coimbatore Wet Grinder and Coracotton Thanjavur Paintings, Art plate, Doll and Veenai Nagercoil Temple Jewellery Erode Turmeric Salem Venpattu(Salem silk) Bhavani Jamakkalam Madurai Sungudi Swamimalai Bronze Icons Nachiarkovil Kuthuvilakku Pattamadai Mat The Nilgiris Orthodox Embroidery Mahabalipuram Stone sculpture Sirumalai Hill banana Eathamozhi Coconut  Human Geography of Tamil Nadu Paper Industry Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited (TNPL) is a government of Tamil Nadu enterprise producing newsprint and printing and writing paper at its mill located at Kagithapuram in Karur district. TNPL is one of the most accomplished mills in the world, producing different varieties paper of acceptable quality primarily from bagasse and pulpwood. Other paper mills of the state are found in Pukkathurai of Kancheepuram district, Bhavanisagar, Pallipalayam, Paramathi Vellore, Coimbatore, Udamalaipet, Thoppampatti, Nilakkotai and Cheranmahadevi. Cement Industry Cement production and consumption continue to grow despite the general recession in the economy. India is one of the largest cement producers and ranked second in the world with an annual production capacity of million tons. Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (TANCEM) is one among the major cement producers in Tamil Nadu operating two cement units: one at Ariyalur and another at Alangulam. Asbestos cement sheet plant at Alangulam and stoneware pipe unit at Virudhachalam are the other units of TANCEM. Sankar Cement, Zuari Cement, Ultratech Cement, Madras Cement and Dalmia Cement are the major private cement brands produced in Tamil Nadu.