Amphenol invests Rs 25 cr in Bangalore mfg centre

Amphenol, the $1.6 billion US-based manufacturer of interconnectors, has invested Rs 25 crore to expand its manufacturing unit in Bangalore.

The company designs, manufactures and markets electrical, electronic and fiber optic connectors, coaxial and flat-ribbon cable, and interconnect systems.

The global major, which runs its fully wholly-owned subsidiary in India, presently has units each in Pune and Bangalore.

The expansion of the Bangalore unit will enable the firm to manufacture high-end connectors required by military, defence manufacturing units, space research and technology industries.

Said Robert John, CEO, Amphenol India: "Today the Indian technical environment provides best quality and best services too, at low cost. There is great opportunity for high-end manufacturing and marketing in India. This is part of Amphenol's strategy to make India a major hub for its manufacturing of circular connectors to the defence sector."

The Indian arm, which turned in a topline of Rs 60 crore for 2004, is targeting to reach Rs 90 crore for 2005.

In addition to the connectors manufacturing, the Indian arm is widening its scope to get into designing and manufacturing connectors for mobile phone handset market.

"Companies such as Nokia, Elcoteq and LG are setting up their manufacturing units in India for mobile handsets and this is a right time for us to also set up our unit," John added.