Samsung to double R&D headcount

Samsung India Electronics plans to double its R&D workforce in India to
2,000 during the next three years. According to KS Kim, President and CEO,
Samsung south west Asia, the company plans to beef up its Bangalore and Noida
centers-by 1,400 and 600 respectively-to meet to the growing demand for
high-end, technologically advanced products for the Indian and foreign markets.

Announcing this at its 'DigITal Forum 2005'-the company's annual
technology showcase-Kim also disclosed that the company would be strengthening
its IT business in the country by introducing more products and setting up 600
IT retail outlets by the first quarter of 2005.

He, however, declined to give any further details on investments in the
country. Kim refrained from answering a query on the need to set up a
manufacturing unit for mobile phones in India.

Unveiling Samsung's vision for 2005, Kim said that the company is looking
forward to making technology a part of the every day life of the Indian
consumer. "The plan to set up massive retail infra-structure across top 24
cities in the country is the first step towards this direction," he said
adding that with the touch and feel experience gaining importance in today's
context of business, these retail outlets will be able to provide provide just
that to the customer.

CyberMedia News

New Delhi