Dell PCs to come direct from Chennai
By Our Corporate Bureau | 14 Sep 2006
Mumbai: Dell Inc, the worlds' top computer maker, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government for setting up a manufacturing unit. This would be Dell's first such facility in the country.
The company would initially manufacture desktop computers at the new facility, to be located on a 50-acre area in Sriperumbudur Hi-Tech Park, outside Chennai. Dell expects to start production in the first half of 2007.
On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, state industry secretary Shaktikanta Das and Rajan Anandan, vice-president, Dell (India Sales) the Indian subsidiary of Dell Inc, signed the MoU in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, union minister for communications and information technology Dayanidhi Maran and Paul Henri Ferrand, vice president, Dell (South Asia) were also present on the occasion.
"This MoU benefits both Tamil Nadu and Dell, and we're very appreciative of the cooperation and partnership between the government and our company. The state offers an exceptional work force and unique strategic-investment zone, along with easy proximity to a large base of current and potential Dell customers," said Paul Henri Ferrand, vice president, Dell (South Asia).
"This operation, in a region increasingly known for its advanced electronics hub, will give us far broader access to both India's dollar and rupee-based information technology markets, and we believe more and more customers will be drawn to the advantages of direct relationships with Dell," added Rajan Anandan, vice-president, Dell (India sales).
Desktop PCs account for about 70 per cent of its current business in India. Dell reported an 82 per cent rise in its shipments to India in the recent quarter and a 63 per cent rise in revenue.
Dell's other manufacturing facilities in Asia are located in Malaysia and China.
