Dow India to employ 500 researchers at global R&D centre in Pune

Dow India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government of Maharashtra to set up a global R&D centre at the industrial belt of Chakan near Pune. The centre is expected to be operational by 2008 and will employ 500 researchers by 2010.

The company says initial project related activities are underway on the 100-acre land allotted to it by MIDC and more than 125 researchers have already been employed and are providing their skills and capabilities from a rented facility.

The MoU was signed yesterday by VK Jairath, principal secretary (industries), government of Maharashtra and Vipul Shah, CEO, Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd. The function was also attended by the state chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh,  Johnny Joseph, chief secretary, government of Maharashtra, Mr Michael Gambrell, executive vice president, The Dow Chemical Company, Dr Deepak Parikh, Technical Director of Dow India's Global R&D Centre, and other senior officials of the state government.

"I am confident that Dow's track-record as a global leader will see setting up of a world-class R&D centre at Chakan, putting this small village on the global R&D map," said Deshmukh. He added, "The Government is determined to consolidate Maharashtra's position as the No 1 industrialised state in the country. I am confident that this new R&D facility will accelerate the industrial growth of the region."

Gambrell said, "The Dow Chemical Company has had a presence in India through various subsidiaries over the last 50 years. We are committed to contribute to the rapid industrialisation of the country.

"In order to make that happen, we will leverage the state's strong and progressive policies to create globally competitive businesses. We appreciate the support that we have received from the Government of Maharashtra and look forward to working with the department of industries and MIDC for successfully completing the project," Gambrell added.

"With total investment going beyond $100 million, this centre will have the capacity to bring a new product to market - from concept to commercialisation", said Vipul Shah. "The R&D centre will be an integrated centre, serving multiple clients and geographies and will accelerate growth of the region through customer support, application development and problem solving in the areas of water, personal care, paints and coatings. Dow India is excited that the centre will partner with government laboratories and educational institutions, funding research to generate intellectual property."

Joseph promised the state government's support to Dow India in establishing the global R&D centre by the state government.