Thomson, the multimedia and consumer electronics manufacturer which had exited the Indian market in 2004, is making a comeback. The firm, part of the French media technology group Technicolor, has now tied up with Hyderabad-based Resolute Electronics India, which holds the brand licence for manufacturing Thomson’s products in India.
As part of this five-year exclusive licensing agreement, Resolute is setting up a Rs 300-crore manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to make Thomson LED TVs and other home appliances.
Says Manuele Wahl, senior vice-president, Technicolor: “India is a huge consumer market valued at $12.5 billion per annum and is growing at a CAGR of 10%. It is poised to become one of the top five largest markets in the world and we are happy to re-launch the Thomson brand to Indian consumers.”
“Thomson products will be manufactured at the facility located in Hyderabad with total investment of Rs 300 crore over a period of two years by Resolute Electronics India. This investment will help increase the existing production capacity of LED TVs and set up the manufacturing of large home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines and ACs,” she added.
The rollout of Thomson’s first LED TV range is expected by this month-end. Resolute Electronics is an electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company catering to electronic manufacturing of global OEMs. The facility is expected to provide additional direct employment of more than 500 people.
“We have re-built our brand in a big way with a lot of consumer interest as the Indian market is much more mature now for absorbing global brands,” she said.
Besides electronic goods, the company is also planning to enter newer segments such as healthcare products and internet of things (IoT).
With a rich heritage stretching back for more than 120 years, Thomson offers a vast range of electrical products spanning television, audio video, telephony, information technology, connected devices, home, small and large appliances as well as healthcare and well-being. “We aim to achieve a market share of 5% by the end of 2016,” A Gopal Krishna, CEO, Resolute Electronics, said.