Date:20/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052002450500.htm

Back Rockwell to set up development centre

Our Bureau

Bangalore , May 19

ROCKWELL Automation has decided to set up a global development centre in India next year.

Mr Kenneth F. Deken, Vice-President, told Business Line that the company expected to invest up to $5 million over a period of three years in the centre and hire 50-75 engineers.

The centre will develop new features for the company's products. Currently, Rockwell outsources its software needs to Patni Computers and Wipro.

The location for setting up the development centre has not been decided yet. Rockwell already has such a facility in the US.

Mr Deken said that depending on the volume the Indian and the Chinese markets would need, Rockwell could set up a new plant to service these markets.

He added that most of the investments would happen in India and China because these two countries are seeing extremely good growth, while Europe has stagnated.

"The drivers of our business are countries with bigger population and where there is growth in consumer spending ."

Mr Ranjan De, Regional Director, said that the Indian operations are expected to grow at 20 per cent on a cumulative basis over the next five years. Globally, the automation industry is growing at about 5 per cent.

Mr Deken said that the company's centre of excellence in Bangalore has been expanded to include mid-sized products, which will enable the company to offer them to mid-range customers.

According to Mr Deken, globally automation is witnessing a trend in integration of various features.