Marking a new era in the modernisation of coir industry, Coir Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. MGR University, Chennai, to develop a prototype versatile spinning machine.

The development of a spinning machine capable of producing coir yarn of uniform thickness in bulk quantity was a long felt need of the industry, the Board Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan, said.

Coimbatore-based Lakshmi Machine Works, a pioneer in development of textile machinery had agreed to lend their expertise in support towards the endeavour, he said.

The project is likely to be completed in 18 months and the prototype brought out, Radhakrishnan said.

It was also envisaged to fabricate the first machine on commercial lines through Public Private Partnership, Radhakrishnan, a former MP, representing Coimbatore Lok Sabha Constituency, said.