Kohler India to open 29 outlets pan-India

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) In a bid to strengthen its presence in the country, US-based kitchen and bath accessories maker Kohler India will come up with 29 new franchisee outlets across major cities by year-end.

''We are growing significantly in India and investing a substantial amount. As part of our expansion plans here, we have decided to increase the number of our outlets from current 41 to 70 pan-India by the end of this year,'' Kohler Corporation Senior Vice-President (Human resources) Laura Kohler told reporters late last evening.

The company also plans to set up a manufacturing unit in Mumbai, besides Gujarat where it will come up with a 200-million -dollar plant by 2009 for producing bathroom products, including sanitary ware and acrylic bathtubs.

Asked why they opted for Gujarat, Kohler India Vice-President and Commercial Director Sharad Mathur said: ''It has a friendly infrastructure in terms of good labour conditions, easy availability of natural gas on site and the state government too is very supportive.'' The company opened its new store in Gurgaon last evening which showcased a wide range of new bathroom products, including bathroom tiles and many more.

''Recognising the growing potential of the real-estate boom in Delhi and NCR we have launched our innovative range of bathroom products in Gurgaon,'' said Ms Kohler.

Kohler has its strong presence across the globe, including countries like Thailand, China, Vietnam , Europe and many others.

UNI