HCL Peripherals is now entering into the production of LCD monitors, both 15
and 17 inches. According to S Pattabi-raman, Executive VP, HCL Peripherals,
"With the market for LCD monitors growing at the rate of 40 percent plus,
it is the ideal time for us to enter into this business". Initially, the
company plans to manufacture 2,500 LCD monitors per month.
As far as the manufacturing of the LCD monitors is concer-ned, HCL
Peripherals has done its own design for the product, while components are being
sourced from countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Thailand,
on an exclusive basis. "With our rich experience in the display seg-ment,
we have done the com-plete designing of the product. Our product will be at par
with the competitors, both in tech-nology and design. However, we have kept the
price 10 per-cent lower to beat the competi-tion," remarked Pattabiraman.
Talking about the benefits of local manufacturing, he elaborated, although
there is not much of advantage for the local manufacturers here, still there is
a duty difference with which manufacturers can play against the imported
(full-finished) product. However, once the WTO regime is imp-lemented in 2005,
companies like HCL Peripherals can enjoy the early-mover advantage.
Speaking on the sidelines, Pattabiraman observed that the government should
look into the high duty cost invo-lved in manufacturing busi-ness, which is
discouraging. "Altogether, a product attracts 28 percent tax under
different heads from the central and state government." Before going to the
market, HCL plans to strengthen its service support by appointing 80 more
authorized service pro-viders (ASPs) across all the locations. Meanwhile, it is
wor-king out a series of campaigns and roadshows to promote the LCD monitors.
"We see a great opportunity for LCD monitors among educational
institu-tions, BFSI segment, govern-ment departments and other areas."
Nisha Kurian
Chennai CyberMedia News Service)