"Krypton Explores $100 Million Investment for Fabrication Unit in Karnataka"

US-based Krypton Solutions is reportedly considering a substantial investment of $100 million (approximately Rs. 832 crore) to establish a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication unit in Karnataka, as revealed by the office of Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure, M B Patil.

In a move to boost investment in the state, Krypton Solutions, alongside another American company, Texas Instruments, expressed their commitment to expanding operations and Research and Development (R&D) in Karnataka. Both companies engaged with Minister Patil during discussions aimed at bolstering their investments within the state.

The meetings with these American companies are part of the Karnataka government's 12-day tour to the United States, designed to attract foreign investments to the region. The tour is scheduled to conclude on October 6.

Both Krypton Solutions and Texas Instruments are integral players in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) industry and already maintain a significant presence in Karnataka. Additionally, discussions were held with US-based ERP Logic, which is exploring opportunities to establish a presence in Bengaluru, expanding its existing footprint in India following successful operations in Salem, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The discussions revolved around potential collaborations for SAP skilling initiatives in Karnataka.

Notably, Texas Instruments was the first technology company to establish an R&D center in Bengaluru back in 1985. The company's Bengaluru R&D center is the largest outside of its headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

During their meeting with Minister Patil, Texas Instruments' senior vice president and general manager, Amichai Ron, and Stephen Bonner, vice president and head of global government relations, discussed R&D initiatives for Analog and Embedded Semiconductors. There was also exploration of the Whitefield semiconductor park for potential research and development activities, as well as a focus on improving the ease of doing business to facilitate investments.

Krypton Solutions intends to invest in Bommasandra for the establishment of a new PCB facility in Karnataka. Preliminary discussions with the government have already taken place, and the company has also explored investment options in Mysuru and Chamrajnagar within Karnataka. Furthermore, Krypton Solutions raised the topic of seeking support to identify the right entry and growth partner in the Indian market during the meeting.

The global technology conglomerate, Dell, is also contemplating additional investment in its Bengaluru-based research and development (R&D) center. Dell, which already operates a prominent R&D center in Bengaluru, has engaged in discussions with Minister Patil to address import restrictions on Special Economic Zone (SEZ) operations, a move that would enhance cost sustainability for Dell's expansion plans in India. At the global level, Dell operates around 25 manufacturing facilities, with 14 of them dedicated to R&D activities.

HBL