Wipro betting big on defence

The company's infrastructure and engineering arm has set up a dedicated manufacturing unit near the Bangalore International airport with an investment of USD 8-10 million.

This unit will undertake precision equipment manufacturing amongst others. For this the company has already signed an agreement with EADS' subsidiary CESA.

Pratik Kumar, President, Wipro Infra Engineering said, "We are scheduled to be able to get into steady production by the time we are in third quarter of this year."

Infact, Wipro is hoping the defense and aerospace vertical will be able to contribute 25% of Infrastructure Engineering's overall revenues over the next 4-5 years.

With an eye on the future, Wipro is streamlining oparations including looking to sell off its water bsuiness so that it can focus on fast growing verticals like defence and avaition. On its part, the mgmnt does admit to being in talks with potential buyer

Kumar adds, "Opportunity is always open but till that point continue to build business, to invest, to win good deal as expected of a healthy business."

Presently 50% of Wipro Infra Engg's revenues come from India and 35% from Europe and Kumar says they are actively looking at expanding into the US and doesn't rule out an acquisition over the next 12-18 months in the US to help it get a toehold.