March 1, 2016
UL’s newest location in India is in the sleek Bandra Kurla Complex, situated in a posh part of Mumbai, home to investment banks, multinational corporations and prominent Indian businesses.
Even though there is no lab testing going on in the office, it is nevertheless an important component for UL’s strategy in India: to educate clients about the myriad regulatory requirements that are needed to produce goods, such as building components, medical devices and consumer products, in this nation.
The new office, which opened in 2015, is home to about 35 engineers and other UL professionals who coordinate with teams at UL’s three in-country research centers in Gurgaon, Manesar and Bangalore. In addition, the office allows greater access for clients in India to meet face-to-face with UL engineers, and to learn about testing requirements and regulatory matters – an important consideration for the fast-growing economy.
“We needed a location that was easy for our clients to meet with us in person,” said Suresh Sugavanam, Vice President and Managing Director of South Asia. “Additionally, our teams in Mumbai are helping to coordinate all of the testing that is going on in our three India labs, which allows us to be responsive to all of our clients and be sure we are giving them the best counsel.”
UL’s presence in India goes back nearly two decades. Today, more than 400 people work at four locations, serving more than 2,500 customers in an array of industries, including energy and industrial systems; appliances; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems (HVAC); textiles; building materials; life safety and security; and fire suppression. The facilities test thousands of products, and that is expected to grow with the Indian economy — which continues to experience tremendous growth.
According to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2016 Report, India is projected to record a 7.3 percent increase in its economy in 2016, which would make it the fastest-growing economy in the world, outpacing China. UL’s office in Mumbai is the hub in its Indian network, helping clients to deliver innovative products meeting local standards in this growing region.