nearest airport is Chennai International Airport 100 km from Ranipet.. Ranipet Municipality Ranipet Municipality was constituted on 01.04.1959 as per G.O.MS No. 724 RDLA dt.01.04.1959. It was upgraded as IInd Grade with effect from 05.10.1978, and then it has upgraded to Ist Grade Municipality with effect from 22.05.1998. Subsequently, Ranipet Municipality was upgraded as Selection Grade Municipality. Industry There are a number of large- and medium-scale leather industries making both finished leather and leather articles such as shoes and garments for export. There are other small-scale industries in Ranipet, mostly engaged in chemical, leather and tool making. These industries are the major lifeline for the town. One of the oldest companies in Ranipet that was formed in the early 19th century is EID Parry, named after Thomas Parry, who sailed to India and started a merchant business in India. The branch of EID Parry located in Ranipet is one of the largest ceramic plants in South India. In addition to Ceramics, the company also produces fertilizers in this location sold to farmers around the country. EID Parry also produces confectioneries in other locations. After the acquisition of the company Johnson & Pedder, EID Parry produced Ballerina ceramic designs in India. Most residents, several decades ago, worked for EID Parry before the expansion of Sipcot Industrial complex and arrival of Central Government-aided engineering unit such as BHEL. World's first diesel tractor manufacturing Italian company SAME DEUTZ-FAHR India (P) limited (SDFI) located at Sipcot industrial complex. They manufacture tractors and engines for export and domestic market, ranging from 35 hp to 80 hp tractor with advanced technology. The French company Plastic Omnium and world No.1 fuel systems manufacturer established a factory in 2010 for the purpose of delivering fuel tank systems to local automobile manufacturers such as Toyota and Hyundai. The town is home to the Boiler Auxiliaries Plant of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a major Central Government owned enterprise., Bavina Cars is planning to set up a manufacturing plant at a cost of 300 crores. Ranipet also has about 500 small and large scale engineering units catering mainly to BHEL. Ranipet is the second largest fabrication cluster in India. Arcelor-Mittal's Dhamm processing Ltd. has invested more than 100 crores. Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. a large Petrochemical unit is one of the largest manufacturers of Phthalic Anhydride and Food Acidulants in Asia, and employs around 2000 people in and around Ranipet. Kostal