United Tech bets big on tie-up with Infotech

United Technologies Corporation (UTC) - a diversified company operating in areas such as air-conditioning, aerospace systems, elevators and fire and security systems - has announced that its cumulative business with Hyderabad-based Infotech Enterprises in the last five years has grown to $100 million.

Infotech Enterprises has been providing engineering design and related services, especially in the aerospace domain, to UTC units worldwide. "The next $100 million business with Infotech is expected much sooner than five years," Louis Chenevert, president and COO, UTC, said here.

The US-based $42.7 billion company is betting big on India as a supplier and customer and plans to provide after-market support for its aircraft engines here. It does business in approximately 180 countries, including emerging markets.

With regard to UTC's operations in India, Chenevert said India had been contributing $300 million in terms of revenues to the company.

"Considering the backlog of orders that we already have, we expect higher growth this year. We see opportunities for commercial and aerospace products," he added. Its clients for engines include Kingfisher Airlines, Air Deccan and IndiGo.

Meanwhile, UTC is planning to create infrastructure to support the engines in India. "We are enthused about this market and are formulating concrete plans for providing after-market support," Chenevert said, without disclosing the investment numbers.

UTC has 14.16 per cent stake in Infotech. However, he ruled any plans to increase it in the immediate future.

UTC has also established a Pratt & Whitney-endowed chair in science and engineering at the department of science and engineering, University of Hyderabad.

The endowment from the aircraft engine major will help the university offer advanced courses in materials management and nanotechnology.