Salem is one of the major producers of traditional silver anklets, which are popular among women. It boasts large textile,steel,automotive, poultry and sago industries. Salem also has one of the largest magnesite deposits in India. Companies like Dalmia and TANMAG have mines here. It has also got rich bauxite & mineral reserves. The Leigh Bazaar market is a large regional market for agro products. It also has rich industrial base with the Salem steel plant, SISCOL, MALCO, CHEMPLAST and the Thermal & Hydel power plant at Mettur contribute towards power supply to the state.
Silk and cotton fabrics from Salem are sold throughout Tamil Nadu and are a big buy. The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, the second of its kind in India, is found here. Salem is one of the chief producers of customary silver anklets, which are a rage with the women-folk here. The Leigh Bazaar market is known for selling agricultural produce and is usually abounding with visitors and shoppers. Fabric exporting has been the oldest business in Salem, going back to the 30s. Salem has always been known for exporting fabrics and clothes and is still consistently doing so.
Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
Being one of the fastest growing tier II cities, the Tamil Nadu government and ELCOT are planning to establish an IT park in Salem covering about 160 acres (0.65 km). SAIL is planning a Steel SEZ inside the Salem Steel plant covering about 250 acres (1.0 km)
There is an exclusive Electrical and Electronics Industrial Estate in the Suramangalam area of Salem town. Coimbatore-Erode-Salem stretch was well known for Industries and Textile processing and it is announced as Coimbatore-Salem Industrial Corridor and further development works are carried by SIPCOT Linking Scheme
