Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) India''s largest software services exporter, is planning to invest $110 million to set up a software development facility at Pune near Mumbai. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maharashtra government to acquire 50 acres of land to develop a development facility in Hinjewadi Phase III, part of an MIDC-promoted Special Economic Zone. The facility will initially have a capacity of 5,000 seats to be ramped up to 10,000 seats later. The new facility will also house professionals from TCS''s R&D and engineering services'' groups.

According to the agreement signed between TCS and the Government of Maharashtra, the latter will help facilitate acquisition suitable land at Hinjewadi, provide infrastructural support through Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and other related agencies as well as provide a single window clearance support for quick, easy and efficient implementation of the project. The project will be part of an SEZ and be eligible for all requisite incentives as per the state''s policy.

TCS currently employs 19,000 professionals at various locations in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pune. In 2006-07, TCS has plans to hire 9,000 people for its operations in Maharashtra to deliver various projects for 100+ customers on various technology platforms including Microsoft, Java, IBM, SAP, Oracle as well as services like Business Intelligence and Engineering. In addition, TCS runs its part of its BPO operations from the state and services important customers like ABN Amro Bank, GE, Nortel, Sony Pictures Entertainment and State Bank of India from its facilities in the state. TCS has also established Tata Research Design and Development Centre, India''s first dedicated software research facility, in 1981, at Pune.

"TCS is a significant employer in Maharashtra and we welcome the company''s decision to use the available talent pool and human resources of the state to drive its future growth plans," said Vilasrao Deshmukh, chief minister of Maharashtra told the press. "The state wants to generate employment and create opportunities for other ancillary industries, providing boosting the state''s economy and has thus offered infrastructural and other support to TCS for this project," he added.

"Pune is emerging as promising IT hub for companies and TCS plans to play an integral role in the further development of the local economy by working with academic institutions and help train and develop talent in the region and the state," said S. Ramadorai, CEO and MD of TCS.

The 50-acre facility at Pune will add to a number of large, aesthetically designed facilities developed by TCS across the country including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Thiruvanathapuram and Ahmedabad.