Sonodyne to enter Germany, Singapore

Kolkata-based audio gadgets manufacturer Sonodyne is setting up listening rooms in Munich, Germany, and Singapore. With plans to foray into the European and Asean markets, the company is stressing on world-class standards to rub shoulders with multinational companies.

Sonodyne has already established listening rooms in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai and is in the process of setting up a listening room in Kolkata by September, said Anindya Mukherjee, MD, Sonodyne. It has also drawn up plans to have its presence in Ludhiana, Gurgaon, Hyderabad and Pune in the next one year.

"The idea is not just selling audio, but lifestyle. People seek to get away from their busy schedule and are looking for some respite. We want them to escape into a different reality," Mukherjee added.

A Sonodyne listening room is equipped with an entire range of high-quality amplifiers and speakers, displayed elegantly. The listening rooms are designed in two different ways, one, a two-channel set-up for music, and the other, a multi-channel home theatre for live concerts and cinema, explained Mukherjee.

Each of these settings has Sonodyne amplifiers, speakers and powered subwoofers, including the latest range of Genie, Sonus and Avant.

"The perception of India and things Indian has changed in the last few years. Following India's success, Sonodyne has made a significant impact in the global markets as far as Indian players in this segment are concerned," Mukherjee said, adding, "In two years, we plan to foray into the USA."

The firm is already present in about 40 countries, with 70 per cent of its overall sales turnover flowing from the overseas markets. It has set a target of Rs 100 crore sales turnover in the next three years.

"Our strength lies in research and development. Sonodyne has two DSIR-recognised computerised laboratories in Kolkata and Mumbai, which are involved in audio research. The research is headed by my father, Ashoke Mukherjee, who has been in the audio industry for the last three decades," Mukherjee said.

In the last three years, Sonodyne products have made their presence in auditoriums, studios, cinema halls and retail outlets across the country. It has national tie-ups for sound reinforcement with many big firms.

Pantaloon, Big Bazaar, Shoppers' Stop, Planet M, Music World, Landmark Chain Stores, Café Coffee Day and Arvind Brands. "Even UK's Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House use our products," Mukherjee revealed.

"Inspired by the export potential of our studio and home ranges and from the success of our unit in Mumbai SEZ, we have procured over 60,000 sq ft of built-up manufacturing area in the SEZ near Kolkata to house modern facilities for in- house CNC machining, woodworking, anodising, computerised testing and assembly," he added. The facility will be functional in the next two months.

Sonodyne will be the only Indian company to participate in the upcoming consumer electronics exhibition in Las Vegas next year, he added.