The Hindu Business Line : Taiwanese firm Optomo plans assembly line in India

THE Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Optomo Corporation, part of the Chinese major Coretronics, is evaluating the possibility of establishing a local assembly line for digital light processing (DLP) projectors in the country through the joint-venture route.

The Manager of Optomo Corporation for Asia Pacific region, Mr Stone Hsu, said, "The demand for DLP projectors is on the increase in this part of the world and we have chosen Digipro to serve as India distributors. "Given the high duty structure at about 36 per cent now on these products, we are considering the option of a joint venture route to set up an assembly line. Initially, this would be through completely-knocked-down kits route. Based on the response, we would expand other products offerings."

"We have initiated parleys with the Central Government for the unit and have been offered three options for the plant — Noida, Bangalore and Nashik. However, the details of total investment and the joint venture partner would be announced later," said Mr Hsu, who was in India to announce the launch of Optomo's range of products.

Optomo is an original equipment manufacturer for Dell, Toshiba, HP, Benq and Hitachi, among others.

The Managing Director of the Hyderabad-based Digipro, Mr Sanjay Jain, said his company has been chosen as the exclusive distributor for India. "We have set up a dealer network of 100 plus across the country." The company, which earlier distributed the In Focus range, expects a turnover of Rs 20 crore this year.

The Indian market for projection systems, home theatres and LCD TVs is on the upswing. As modern houses are being constructed, they are creating an exclusive room for entertainment, wherein the home theatre and high-end projection equipment are in demand. "Given the advantage of price, we believe that there is huge potential out there. The market for projectors is estimated at about 300,000 and growing at about 30 per cent per annum," Mr Jain said.

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