China’s Huawei to expand Bangalore centre

Even as premier Wen Jiabao landed in New Delhi today, Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei announced that it aims to invest more than $2 billion (Rs9000 crore) in India over the next five years in areas including expansion of its research and manufacturing capabilities in the country, one of the world's biggest telecom markets – and the fastest growing.

Huawei will build a new research and development campus in Bangalore, adding to its existing facility in the country and increasing the number of engineers engaged in research to about 3,000 from 2,000 currently, the company's India unit said in a statement.

Huawei said it had recently started its first-phase local manufacturing in Chennai in south India and was further exploring other forms of co-operation in local manufacturing.

It will set up resource hubs for training engineers in multiple locations in India and also ramp up its local operations to meet the demand for third generation technology. These initiatives are expected to generate employment for 4,000-5,000 people over the next five years.

Max Yang, chief executive officer, Huawei India, said, ''Huawei has been in India for over a decade and is committed to a long-term development and cooperation in India. As an integral part of Indian telecom industry development and an active player serving all telecom service providers, Huawei India strives to be the long-term partner for the development of India's telecom and IT industry and inclusive growth.''

Currently, Huawei has 2,000 employees for R&D in India based out of multiple rented premises in Bangalore. All these facilities will be consolidated under the new unit to be set up across 100 acres in Whitefield, Bangalore. The new unit will have a seating capacity for up to 3,000 employees.  This is already the biggest R&D centre for the company outside of China.