Hong Kong-based Jmatek group, which holds the global exclusive licence for Honeywell air coolers, portable air conditioners and dehumidifiers, plans to make India its export hub for South East Asia, Africa and Middle East markets.
The company, which is planning to invest Rs 100 crore to set up a design and development center and a new production unit, would also expand its presence in the domestic market with its range of AirTek aircoolers and dehumidifiers.
The company has launched AirTek aircoolers in some northern region markets and is aiming to have a pan-India presence in next 3-4 years and be among top three players in the segment by enhancing its distribution channels.
"We would invest around Rs 100 crore. This would be for setting up design and development centre and a new production unit," Jmatek MD and CEO Naresh Kumra told PTI.
"We have one manufacturing facility currently in the NCR region. We would like to have 1-2 more over the next few years... in different parts of India and closer to sea ports," he further said.
Moreover, the company, which would export both Honeywell and AirTek brands from India, would establish a local supply chain here to bring the production cost down and be more competitive, he said.
"Our aspiration is to export 100-200 thousand units over the next 3 years," Kumra added.
On being asked about the geographies, where Jmatek would export from India, he said: "Initially in Phase 1, over 20 countries with significant potential for products we plan to produce in India.
"Many of these countries are in geographic proximity such as South and Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Middle East, North Africa, while others have large potential for these products (such as South and Southwest USA, Northern Mexico".
Besides, the group would also explore the domestic market with its AirTek range of aircoolers and has plans to tap even tier II and III markets besides the developed metros.
According to Kumra, the company is "extremely bullish" in its approach to tap the non-metro markets.
"While large metros in India are exploding with population growth, India still largely lives in smaller cities, towns and villages. Our aircoolers are very energy-efficient and offer a superior alternative for cooling during the summer.
"We are also working on new products that could be particularly attractive to consumers in smaller cities and towns. We will share more at the right time," he said.
The group in association with Usha group is selling a range of Usha Honeywell coolers.
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