Nashik beckons BPOs

The IT and BPO industry in both Mumbai and Pune are close to the saturation point. Not only ITPOs, but real estate companies too are eyeing tier II cities like Nashik to extend their base because of exorbitant real estate rates, higher salary levels and attrition rates in Mumbai and Pune.

According to sources, the BPO workforce in Nashik, which is presently around 2,000, is expected to grow to 10,000 by the end of 2009.

Currently, 18 software companies, including non-voice BPO companies like WNS Global Services and Tricom India Ltd, are operational in Nashik. The total workforce in these companies is around 2,000.

The figure is expected swell manifold in the next two to three years due to increasing number of ITPO companies here, according to sources.

Nashik, known as the wine capital of India, has emerged as the major centre for auto, engineering and electric industries, and has good potential for the growth of ITPO industry as well as the real estate is relatively cheaper here.

Besides, good infrastructure like roads and electricity, adequate skilled manpower, availability of abundant space, water and proximity to Mumbai and Pune are the city's other plus points for the growth of ITPO industry.

WNS Global Services has two units at Nashik with a total headcount of 1,500.

Another Mumbai-based non-voice BPO company, Tricom India Ltd, which has leased 10,000 square feet property in Satprur area of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) here, has recruited around 300 freshers.

As per its expansion plan, the company will recruit 1200 more fresh candidates. The company has also bought two acres of land to build its own facility here.

Datamatics Technologies Ltd, yet another Mumbai-based non-voice BPO, has announced setting up of its unit in Nashik in the next 12 or 18 months. Initially, it will recruit 500 people.

Infosys Technologies Ltd and Wipro have also made enquiries with the MIDC for land. But, they have not yet taken any decision to set up their base here.

Along with ITPO companies, real estate companies are also eyeing Nashik to extend their business here. Vascon Engineers, a Pune-based construction company, has already announced an IT park at an investment of Rs 130 crore. The park, the first in the private sector, will come up within two years on 7.5 lakh sq ft.

Raheja Group, the Mumbai-based construction company, is planning to lease the Nashik?s IT Park, developed by the MIDC in Ambad area. It is likely to enter into an agreement with the MIDC in this regard in the next few days.

Another Nashik-based construction company has also decided to build an IT park in Mahatma Nagar area here. This will be the second private IT park.