French electricals and control automation equipment major, Hager, has set up manufacturing facilities in Pune and is planning to tap opportunities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Hager Electro SAS, France is bullish on the opportunity India offers in the area of power distribution and cable management, smart building automation, and safety and security solutions, according to Benoit Lecuyer, managing director of Hager India. The company has invested close to Rs 150 crore in a manufacturing facility near Pune and is in the process of making its global products relevant for the Indian market.

"There is a definite move towards localizing these products as well as components by setting up an engineering design centre in India. The company will initially focus on products that help distribute electricity load optimally and home automation gadgets that can be controlled remotely with the help of digital technology such as tablets," Lecuyer said. The company is looking at an extensive field of applications suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, especially in the mini metros as well as tier-2 and tier-3 cities. "These places offer a chance for speedy business growth in systems, solutions, and services for electrical installations," he added.

Lecuyer further informed that from a 2 per cent contribution to the company's global sales currently, the India operations are projected to contribute 10 per cent in the next five years. There is also a plan to set up at least ten service centres across the country by 2015. It has around 250 channel partners across the country and is looking for more such partners to expand its business. "We believe that the improvement and opening of new offices in strategic locations will go a long way in achieving our growth and sales targets for the year," Lecuyer said.