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Dow India has signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with the state government of Maharashtra to set up a global
R&D centre at the industrial belt of Chakan near Pune. The centre is expected
to be operational by 2008 and will employ 500 researchers by 2010. The
coppany says initial project related activities are underway on the 100-acre land
allotted to it by MIDC and more than 125 researchers have already been employed
and are providing their skills and capabilities from a rented facility. The
MoU was signed yesterday by V K Jairath, principal secretary (industries), government
of Maharashtra and Vipul Shah, CEO, Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd, at a
function also attended by the state chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was
accom[panied by Johnny Joseph, chief secretary, government of Maharashtra, MrMichael
Gambrell, executive vice president, The Dow Chemical Company, Dr. Deepak Parikh,
Technical Director of Dow India''s Global R&D Centre and other senior officials
of the state government. "I
am confident that Dow''s track-record as a global leader will see setting up of
a world-class R&D centre at Chakan putting this small village on the global
R&D map," said Deshmukh. He added, "The Government is determined
to consolidate Maharashtra''s position as the No.1 industrialised state in the
country. I am confident that this new R&D facility will accelerate the industrial
growth of the region." Gambrell,
"The Dow Chemical Company has had a presence in India through various subsidiaries
over the last 50 years. We are committed to contribute to the rapid industrialisation
of the country. "In
order to make that happen, we will leverage the state''s strong and progressive
policies to create globally competitive businesses. We appreciate the support
that we have received from the Government of Maharashtra and look forward to working
with the department of industries and MIDC for successfully completing the project,"
Gambrell added. "With
total investment going beyond $100 million, this centre will have the capacity
to bring a new product to market - from concept to commercialisation", said
Vipul Shah. "The R&D centre will be an integrated centre, serving multiple
clients and geographies and will accelerate growth of the region through customer
support, application development and problem solving in the areas of water, personal
care, paints and coatings. Dow India is excited that the centre will partner with
government laboratories and educational institutions, funding research to generate
intellectual property." Joseph
promised the stae government''s support to Dow India in establishing the global
R&D centre by the state government.
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