Honoring

When Srijani Mitra got married in February, the three-day celebration in India included 400 people and lots of traditional elements. It also included best wishes and a gift from her team at Magna.

Mitra, who joined the Magna Electronics Division in Pune, India, last December, is the technical lead for a team working on advanced driver-assistance systems and software at this engineering and technology center.

“When our employees get married, it’s important that our team wishes them well,” explained Chrimson Appadurai, the center’s engineering director. “We like to honor those special moments. We want our people to feel this is a place they want to be.”

A special committee, called MEET for Magna Employee Engagement Team, sponsors monthly activities, such as a Mom-Dad Club, birthday celebrations and a non-alcoholic Happy Hour.

Mitra said her gratitude for the Magna culture and workplace kindness extends beyond the thoughtful wedding gift.

“The Magna culture appeals to many people, especially women in India,” she said. “In this company, we can influence decisions and freely share our ideas. In fact, 30% of the staff in this engineering and technology center is female, something that makes me proud.”

The Pune center is in the middle of a growth spurt and hiring drive as we develop advanced technology for global premium automakers, including Audi, BMW, Daimler, Fisker, GM, Mazda, PSA, Stellantis, VW and Toyota. Appadurai said the goal is to hire up to 350 new employees by the end of 2021.

As an added employee incentive, Magna will pay tuition for master’s degrees in automotive electronics, data science and automotive design at the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, through its new higher-education assistance program.

“We’re building a team,” Appadurai said. “All of these personal touches like participating in family celebrations and encouraging education are important. If people love automotive, they’re going to love us.”