Mumbai: Capgemini, global consulting, technology and outsourcing services provider, today opened its third centre. Located in in Kolkata, the 500-seat centre is ramping up around F&A business process outsourcing, package implementation and web-based custom software development. Its other two centres are located in Mumbai and Bangalore.

Capgemini India has been enjoying an 80 per cent yearly growth. It currently employs more than 4,000 people, and is aiming to employ around 6,000 by the end of 2006 and 10,000 people by the end of 2007. The US and Europe represents half of Capgemini India's workflow.

"India is core to Capgemini Group strategy," said Paul Hermelin, CEO of Capgemini. "The opening of this new centre is an important new step for the Group, which has now reached if critical size in India. Our expansion here not only demonstrates our commitment to India but also emphasises Capgemini India's strengths and world-class capabilities to deliver services. India's talent and technology strengths have been acknowledged worldwide. We, at Capgemini will continue to tap into this talent potential and Kolkata will be a key focus region."

According to Paul Spence, Global Head of Capgemini Outsourcing Services said, "With already several hundreds of employees in India, the opening of the Kolkata center is another major step in the strengthening of Capgemini's Rightshore network of BPO centres, completing to its strong presence in Poland (Krakow) and China (Guangzhou).Capgemini is now surging ahead in its expansion plans in India in this field and we are excited to share these multiple experiences with new comers."

Adds Baru Rao, CEO, Capgemini India, "Kolkatta has always been known for its talent and intellect. The launch of our center will help us to achieve our objective of employing over 10,000 people by adding highly talented individuals to extend our footprint in the country".

Capgemini India has over 100 global customers, including many Fortune 500 companies and is certified ISO 9001, CMMi Level 5 BS7799 and SAS 70.