Maruti Suzuki strengthens gender inclusion on the shopfloor; Women workforce crosses 1,300

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is quietly, yet resolutely, reshaping the contours of gender inclusion within India’s automotive manufacturing sector. Over the past two years, the company has accelerated the hiring of women across vehicle manufacturing as well as engine and transmission operations at its Gurugram and Manesar facilities, marking a decisive shift towards a more balanced and representative workforce.

These women professionals are entrusted with critical responsibilities across assembly lines and quality control functions, where precision and consistency remain paramount. Their integration is neither symbolic nor peripheral; instead, it reflects a structural evolution within Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing ecosystem. Notably, they undergo the same rigorous on-the-job training and skill development programmes as their male counterparts, ensuring parity in capability-building and career advancement opportunities.

Commenting on the growing presence of women on the shopfloor, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “We have always had a good representation of women across diverse functions like Engineering, Marketing & Sales, Finance, Legal, Logistics, and Supply Chain. However, real integration happens on the shopfloor when they work on building high-quality vehicles with precision and care. It is my personal wish to strengthen women representation at the shopfloor.”

Elaborating on the company’s approach, he added, “To achieve this mission we have carefully created an eco-system that supports women at shopfloor. A detailed study was undertaken to understand the requirements, and specific infrastructure changes were made on the shop floor to ensure their convenience and security. Infrastructure such as adequate restrooms, changing area, creche and safety support in the form of guards on duty and patrolling during evening shift were introduced. Furthermore, sensitization training for other team members was initiated to bring a positive shift in mindset and openness to promote an inclusive work culture. We mandate 100% employee participation in POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) training to cultivate sensitization and a safe work environment.”

This calibrated approach—combining infrastructure enhancement with cultural sensitisation—underscores Maruti Suzuki’s long-term commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. With over 190 women now employed on its shopfloor within a year, the company’s total female workforce has crossed the 1,300 mark across functions, reinforcing its broader vision of equitable participation in India’s automotive industry.