Chennai plant to be operational soon: Dell

New Delhi, July 11 (UNI) Computer major Dell India Pvt Ltd today said it would start its Chennai plant in the next few weeks but refused to put a date to the launch.

Talking on the sidelines of the launch of its 'Vostro' line of systems, Dell India Vice President and General Manager Rajan Anandan said, ''The plant is expected to start in a few weeks, but we would not like to put a date to it.'' The plant has a capacity to manufacture four lakh units and will start with the production of desktops and later on include notebooks, he added.

Last year, the company had said it had invested 30 million dollars in the Chennai plant. Currently, the products are imported from Malayasia and other countries.

''Once the plant is ready, it would reduce the lead time for delivery considerably and help us in expanding base in the country.

This is especially relevant as we provide customised units to even the basic consumer who buys our product,'' Mr Anandan said.

The company is also looking towards retail prospects and is in talks with various players to market its products in the stores. It however did not divulge any names.

''The company tied up with Wal-Mart, which was very sucessful in the US, but India is a very different country and we will plan our marketing strategy according to the scenario here,'' said company President (Asia Pacific-South) Paul-Henri Ferrand.

The company's approach is multi-channels of marketing, enabling easier access to products for consumers of all sizes, be it corporate, SMBs (Small and Medium Business) or individual buyers, added Mr Anandan.

UNI