BEML to establish R&D hub in Bangalore

State-run Bharat Earth Movers (BEML) is in the process of establishing a centre of excellence for research and development here at a cost of Rs 125 crore.

"The proposal is in the final stages of approval and once cleared, the centre will come up on 10 acres of land on the present campus," BEML Chairman and Managing Director V R S Natarajan told reporters here today.

He said the company was working towards lowering the cost of metro rail infrastructure by maximising indigenisation and looking forward to compete in global tenders overseas and bag majority of orders.

"To begin with we are looking at UAE, Indonesia and Malaysia. We have already bagged a Rs 300 crore order for supply of mining and earthmoving equipment to Indonesia. Once the orders touch $300 million, we will consider setting up an assembly plant there (Indonesia)," Natarajan said.

At present, BEML's order book was over Rs 5,036 crore, including Rs 300 crore exports, he said adding that the company would also increase its income by providing spares and services to metro players.

BEML exports to over 55 countries and has its overseas establishments at Malaysia, China, Brazil and Indonesia.