IBM announced the opening of a branch office in Ludhiana, as part of the company's continued geographic expansion across India.
The Ludhiana branch is IBM's seventh new office to be opened in India in the past 12 months after those in Coimbatore, Indore, Guwahati, Dehradun, Raipur and Visakhapatnam. IBM is currently focused on increasing its presence in smaller, rapidly developing cities as India's regions play an increasingly important part in the country's economic growth.
Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab and is located in close proximity to the state capital Chandigarh where IBM already has an established presence. In recent years Ludhiana has experienced strong economic growth led by the development of the clothing, automotive parts and food manufacturing sectors. Small scale industries make up for an important part of Ludhiana's business landscape with over 6,000 small to medium sized enterprises operating in the city.
"We are seeing strong demand for our solutions and services in Ludhiana as businesses in the city turn to IT to increase efficiencies and improve customer service," said Vivek Malhotra, VP and territory executive, North and East, IBM India & South Asia. He added, "Crucial to Ludhiana's economic development are small to medium sized enterprises which spur innovation in the region and are at the center of a thriving export market in the city."
Jugdiep Singh, MD, SPS Apollo inaugurated the new IBM.