Gaurav Gupta Mahindra SatyamMahindra Satyam has launched a new delivery centre in Toulouse, France, to enhance the company’s relationships with regional aerospace companies.

The new facility is expected to increase operations and create opportunities locally in the areas of engineering, IT and communications, directly benefitting aerospace companies with manufacturing facilities in France, such as Airbus.

It is part of Mahindra Satyam’s strategy to offer a global delivery platform, reducing associated risks with manufacturing and allowing the company to benefit from skills and expertise in the surrounding area that may not be available in India.

Speaking to aerospace-technology.com, Mahindra Satyam Strategic Partnerships associate vice president Gaurav Gupta said: "This investment into local skills is a priority for us moving forward. This isn’t a means of shipping Indian engineers out to work in other markets; this is very much a means of developing local talent.

"This is a means of addressing how we engage with our customers. By establishing centres like this, we reduce associated risks and also increase our flexibility."

Mahindra Satyam established a similar facility in Hamburg, Germany, in 2008, which reinforced the company’s strategic partnership with EADS.

"This isn’t a means of shipping Indian engineers out to work in other markets; this is very much a means of developing local talent."

"Back in 2008, we opened a centre in Hamburg, which is the home of EADS," said Gupta. "In terms of aerospace and defence, France is a highly strategic market and Toulouse is the main hub. It’s the home of Airbus and is home to some highly trained local talent. It’s a logical choice of location."

The facility at Toulouse is expected to include up to 80 associates by the end of 2012, sourced from the local market and academia. The site will offer engineering services in the fields of electrics, digital mock-up and aero structures, while also functioning as an ICT front office for technologies such as SAP, PLM and application management services.

"Moving forward, this is very much part of our vision for the Aerospace market; to build collaborative and strategic relationships," added Gupta.

Image: Mahindra Satyam Strategic Partnerships associate vice president Gaurav Gupta hopes the Toulouse facility can be a means of developing talent and expertise from the local area. Photo: courtesy of Mahindra Group.