Siemens eyes more business here

Siemens, the global conglomerate in electrical and electronics engineering sees more business opportunities but not investment in Sri Lanka.

Managing director of Siemens Ltd. India, Juergen Schubert told the Sunday Observer that the company is hesitant to invest in Sri Lanka at present due to the political and security situation in the country. Siemens is a large investor in neighbouring India and has 17 manufacturing plants and a 500-strong network of channel partners.

Schubert told a press conference in Colombo. "We are at the beginning of a new phase of our association with Sri Lanka and are optimistic that this will grow, provided the peace process brings political stability. This will spur business sentiment and give rise to greater business opportunities for companies like ours".

Siemens business volume in Sri Lanka has increased four times in the last two years and is growing at a rate of 12%. Schubert said that within a short time, Siemens received some prestigious orders including many 'firsts' to its credit across diverse industries.

It is supplying the first bio mass powered steam turbine of 10 MW to Tokyo Cements from its factory in India.

The company has provided the power distribution and integrated building management solutions to the country's first multinational BPO unit - HSBC. The country's first linear Accelerator used for cancer treatment is being supplied by Siemens. The company will also supply the first of its kind energy optimisation drive solutions for the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, he said.

A thermal power plant of 100 MW set up by ACE power in Embilipitiya, implementation of SAP for leading companies in Sri Lanka and providing lighting solution for the Premadasa Stadium are the other significant involvement of Siemens in Sri Lanka.

Siemens is poised to contribute in a number of infrastructure development projects. Siemens is the technical partner for the proposed Mass Rapid Transit System for Colombo along with NEB Infrastructures and OPUS International, Malaysia. Siemens is involved in railway expansion and water solutions in Sri Lanka, Schubert said.

(GW)