US-based Viewsonic to decide upon India unit post budget

New Delhi, Dec 24 (UNI) California-based visual technology provider Viewsonic has announced its entry into India with the launch of LCD monitors, and plans to set up a manufacturing unit if the zero per cent import duty on display tubes is withdrawn or increased.

The company will launch slew of products including LCD projectors, televisions and display solutions starting January-end next year.

The products will be imported through Viewsonic's designated importers from its factories in California, China and Taiwan.

''As there is no duty on import of electronic goods, it does not make sense to manufacture the products here. We will import the products through our importers who will ship, stock and sell the products. We will essentially look after the marketing and business development side,'' Viewsonic Country Manager (India) Gautam Ghosh said here.

If the government introduces a new policy in the ensuing budget to introduce import duty, then the company is open to establish a facility in the country, he added.

The company, present in 30 countries, expects to close at 2.7 billion dollar revenues this year, as against 1.7 billion dollars.

Present in the country through three distributors, the company has achieved 1.5 million dollar monthly revenue from India this quarter. It will open 100 retail outlets by 2007-end across tier I and II cities, besides signing deals with major retail players, conducting road shows and entering into franchise agreements.

The LCD multimedia monitors unveiled today are i-pod compatible and come with features such as built in subwoofer speakers, three USB ports, eight-in-one card readers.

Targeted at the A segment, the monitors will be roughly priced at 300-320 dollars a piece and compete with market leaders Samsung and LG.

Viewsonic is eyeing initial sales of 1,000 units per month in the country and 3,500 units after few months.

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