New Delhi, Sept 04: The $35 billion Netherlands-based Philips plans to use India as a manufacturing base to source a range of products for the international markets. India would be positioned as the competence centre for emerging markets and would be used as an export base, president and CEO of Royal Philips Electronics Gerard J Kleisterlee said here.
Philips plan to invest $ 150 million within next 5 years. "India will be the next big thrust for Philips Asia." The global corporation is targeting to increase the revenue from Asia-pacific segment to 25 per cent of the global turnover, up from the existing 22 per cent.

Kleisterlee along with the members of the board, are on a week-long visit to chalk out company's strategies towards this part of the world. Acknowledging India's potential regarding convergence, digital and internet technology, Kleisterlee said Philips' staff strength in its Bangalore software development centre would be doubled to 2000 employees in the next two to three years.

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The company may also expand its back office operation based in Kolkata. He said that at present the centre was looking after India operation, but soon they might consider to outsource their global requirements to India.

Expressing satisfaction over the company's performance in the various sectors like lighting, domestic appliances and medical system, he said Philips was being recognised as the most powerful and respected brand in India in the consumer electronics segment.

"But, unfortunately, it is being perceived as the brand of past and not of the future."

So, a new thrust towards brand building is needed to create an image of a vibrant and dynamic company that changes with time. Bureau Report