The Hindu Business Line : Degremont bullish on India

Chennai, July 23 The France-based Degremont Suez, a multinational company in water treatment and recycling, sees India as a major market and a source for skilled human resource and equipment supply for its global operations.

According to Mr Thierry Mallet, Chief Executive Officer, Degremont, its Indian operations through Degremont Ltd — a joint venture with the Anand group — is set to grow three times to €100 million (Rs 556 crore) by 2010. The growth would come from the local markets. Degremont’s growth would also be from the emerging SEZs, and expansion in steel and power plants, where process water and treated water is a key area, he said.

Its Indian operations are a key part of the company’s growth both as a market and a supplier base for men and material for its operations worldwide.

For Degremont, India is also an engineering service centre for the rest of the group and its operations in Europe, West Asia and Asia. For instance, its project in Kazakhstan is entirely supported by India’s EPC.

Degremont is also exploring export of equipment from India, Mr Mallet said.Apart from cost-saving, the company values the workforce in India for its skills.

At least 10 per cent of the Indian team is abroad on various overseas assignments at any time.

An executive from Degremont India heads its $100-million operations in the US. The company needs people who are willing to move, he said.

Desalination is an inevitable option for India, according to Mr Mallet.

With the proliferation in SEZs, urban growth, and plans for integrated townships, many of which are on the coast, desalination is the solution for water supply. Degremont operates Europe’s largest desalination facility in Barcelona, Spain, and another in Perth, Australia.

Degremont sees India, especially Chennai, as a major opportunity in desalination.

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Degremont bullish on India