Date:03/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070351890500.htm

Back Jaquar to market US company AO Smith’s water heaters

— Shashi Ashiwal

Mr Rajesh Mehra, Director (Marketing) ofJaquar (left), and Mr Tamal Chaudhuri, National Sales & Marketing Manager, AO Smith, at a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Our Bureau

Mumbai, July 2 Jaquar, a manufacturer and exporter of bath fittings, on Wednesday announced an exclusive strategic tie-up with AO Smith Water Products Company of the US. As part of the tie-up, Jaquar will market water heaters manufactured by the American company.

The alliance will enable Jaquar to provide the Indian consumer access to the latest technology and global products, while AO Smith would benefit from Jaquar’s network of more than 2,200 dealers across the country.

AO Smith also has plans to invest about Rs 70 crore to set up a manufacturing facility for water heaters here, which is likely to come up in the next 18 months.

Mr Tamal Chaudhuri, National Sales & Marketing Manager, AO Smith, said, India holds a great potential and is a huge market. With the alliance, the company is entering into the Indian market and is set to offer its premium and technologically advanced products to consumers. The water heaters would be available for a price ranging from Rs 5,700 to Rs 21,000 depending on the size of the heater. They are fitted with a glass coating formula to prevent corrosion and offers protection against premature tank failure.