Sri City Pvt Ltd, the Chennai-based company has signed MoUs with 17 companies that will be investing about Rs.800 crore in its multi-product SEZ at Tada in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

The 17 including Surana Group, Hong Kong-based Intimate Apparels, Innova Biotech and Euro Abrasives have begun construction work on 500 acre inside the SEZ. The first manufacturing unit is expected to commence production in March 2009.

The company will be finalising a deal with Germany-based auto equipment manufacturer which will attract around Rs.2,500 crore. The company is in discussion with Krishnapatnam and Ennore ports for priority-based agreement under which cargo manufactured for the export market in Sri City will be given priority at the ports for handling.

The SEZ, coming up on 5,000 acre is on PPP model and is expected to attract Rs.17,500 crore by 2012-13.