Brooks Automation sets up subsidiary in India

Chennai: Nasdaq-listed Brooks Automation, a company providing automation solutions to the global semiconductor industry has commissioned its Indian operations. The company has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary—Brooks Automation India—headquartered in Chennai primarily to support its engineering research and development.

According to Edward C Grady, president and chief operating officer of Brooks Automation: "The Indian subsidiary will also take care of software maintenance support, documentation and development of new software products."

To start with, Brooks Automation India will have fifteen people and there are plans to expand to 80 by year end. According to him, the Indian company is expected to do work valued at around $15 million over a period of five years. Muthukumar Ramalingam, director will head the India Operations.

The establishment of a subsidiary company, Grady says, does not mean Brooks Automation will stop outsourcing from other Indian software vendors like HCL Technologies. "We will continue with our existing business relationships," he adds.

The Nasdaq listed company hopes to close this fiscal with a turnover of $400 million and enter new segments like automobile and medical devices.

For Brooks Automation, the Indian operation will help improve delivery of new functions and enhancements to its customers world wide, as well as facilitate the support of customers in Greater China and the Asia Pacific Region.