3rd Nov 2006 09:55
Laird Group PLC03 November 2006 Laird Technologies, a Subsidiary of The Laird Group PLC, to Build Manufacturing Facility in Chennai, India 15,000 sq. m. facility to become operational in mid 2007 Laird Technologies, a global leader in the design and manufacture of antennae,electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, telematics and thermal managementsolutions, has announced the establishment of a manufacturing facility in theNokia SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in Sriperembudur near Chennai. This is LairdTechnologies' first manufacturing facility in India, and a local technical salesteam to support the Indian market is also being established. Laird Technologies currently provides its customers in India with products foruse in mobile 'phones, telecommunications infrastructure equipment, computerhardware and automotive electronics from facilities outside India. With thesetting up of a manufacturing facility in Chennai, the Company will be able tosupport its growing Indian customer base more effectively. A Letter of Commitment was signed today by Mr. Sri Talpallikar, ManagingDirector-India of Laird Technologies and Mr. Jukka Lehtela, Director-IndiaOperations of Nokia, in the presence of His Royal Highness The Duke of York, KG,KCVO, ADC, United Kingdom Special Representative for Trade and Investment andMr. Nigel Keen, Chairman of The Laird Group PLC. The foundation stone of thefacility was unveiled by His Royal Highness. Spread over an area of 15,000 sq. m, Laird Technologies' new, state of the artmanufacturing facility will employ between 1,200-1,500 people when all productlines are launched. The facility is expected to become operational by mid 2007. The manufacturing facility will initially produce antennae and EMI products forcellular handset applications. Laird Technologies plans to expand the scope ofthe facility to include design engineering, research and development, toolingand manufacturing of all the Company's products. On the choice of Chennai for its India expansion, Sri Talpallikar, ManagingDirector-India, Laird Technologies said, "Availability of a skilled workforce,support from the Tamil Nadu Government, the presence of good logistics,excellent infrastructure facilities, lower costs and our 'close to the customer'strategy were reasons for the choice of Chennai as our first location in India". Jukka Lehtela, Director - India Operations, Nokia said, "Laird's presence in theNokia Telecom Park will help bring efficiencies into our supply chain system andfurther strengthen the Telecom Park's capabilities as a robust telecomecosystem. Nokia shares a strong alliance with Laird and looks forward tosharing the India opportunity with them". Commenting on Laird's expansion into India, Mr. Nigel Keen, Chairman, The LairdGroup PLC said today in Chennai, "India is a key strategic market for us and wehave been steadily increasing our business here. The Indian market forelectronic products is substantial and growing at a rapid pace and we expect toexpand our presence here in the coming years. The manufacturing facility in theNokia SEZ is the first step in this direction and helps us to meet our 'close tothe customer' strategy". For Enquiries: The Laird Group PLC MaitlandPeter Hill, Chief Executive Brian HudspithJonathan Silver, Finance Director Charlotte BarkerTel: 020 7468 4040 Tel: 020 7379 5151 Notes for Editors The Laird Group PLC Laird is a leading global electronics and security systems group employing some10,000 people in operations in North America, Europe and across Asia. Laird isheadquartered in London and is listed on the London stock exchange (LARD.L).Further information on The Laird Group is available from its website,www.laird-plc.com. Laird Technologies Laird Technologies is a world leading designer and manufacturer of antennae,electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, telematics and thermal managementsolutions for the telecommunications, data-communications, computer, generalelectronics, network equipment, aerospace, defence, automotive and medicalequipment industries. Nokia Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth andsustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to eachother and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovativeproducts like mobile 'phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, mediaand businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for networkoperators and corporations. www.nokia.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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