TCS sets up fresh venture with Dow Chem

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest software services exporter, an IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organisation, announced plans to form a business alliance that will provide critical business services to Dow, its subsidiaries and joint ventures.

The alliance is an expansion of an existing relationship between the US-based Dow Chemical Co and TCS, combining Dow's leading chemical industry knowledge and operational discipline with the service delivery expertise of TCS, the latter said in a statement on Friday.

''This strategic partnership will make our already lean and efficient corporate centre even more so, by supporting a business services model that delivers world-class capabilities at an estimated 30 per cent savings,'' said Dave Kepler, Dow executive vice president of business services. ''This innovative approach uses a variable staffing model, centralises activities and maximises efficiencies to meet evolving business needs.''

As part of this alliance and global network, Dow and TCS are also planning to build a new strategic services centre near the site of Dow's global headquarters in Midland, Michigan, subject to the approval of state and local incentives.

Plans are under way to begin construction on a new facility in the next year, with the first phase of the build-out designed to accommodate 1250 employees.

This effort will support the local economy through the creation of new jobs. In addition, TCS plans to expand its service offerings beyond Dow in the future, creating a service valley in central Michigan.