In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing IT hardware, the Sahasra Group, a recently approved government beneficiary based in Noida, has secured its maiden order to manufacture laptops for the renowned French electronics brand Thomson. This strategic collaboration marks Sahasra’s foray into the production of budget-friendly laptops and tablets, aiming to tap into the entry-level segment of the Indian market.
As part of the government’s PLI initiative, Sahasra Group is poised to play a pivotal role in bringing locally manufactured IT hardware to consumers. The company has set ambitious targets, with plans to produce 100,000 units in the first year to align with the scheme’s eligibility criteria. Varun Manwani, CEO of Sahasra Group, articulated the company’s approach, stating that initial cost challenges would be mitigated by PLI benefits, and additional savings would accrue as more supply chain vendors establish operations in India over the coming years.
To facilitate this expansion, Sahasra Group is committed to a capital investment of Rs 250 crore over the next six years. A noteworthy portion of this investment, amounting to Rs 50 crore, has already been allocated for the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Bhiwadi, Uttar Pradesh.
The move towards indigenous manufacturing aligns with the broader vision of self-reliance in the electronics sector, and Sahasra’s track record, including supplying the first made-in-India semiconductors, positions the company as a key player in the nation’s technological advancement.
Thomson, a globally recognized electronics brand, is leveraging this partnership to penetrate the Indian market with Windows 11-run laptops priced competitively below Rs 19,990. The company’s global general manager, Pierre Krasnovsky, emphasized Thomson’s commitment to the entry-level segment, aiming to make these laptops easily accessible to a broad spectrum of consumers.
Come January 2024, consumers can expect Thomson’s laptops to be available both online, through platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, and offline at retail stores like Croma and Vijay Sales. The company is not only eyeing individual consumers but has also undertaken a proof-of-concept with primary schools in Uttar Pradesh and other state governments, proposing Thomson laptops for educational purposes. Additionally, Thomson’s devices will be listed on the government e-marketplace (GeM) portal, facilitating public procurement.
Varun Manwani, the CEO of Sahasra Group, expressed confidence in the success of this venture, citing the positive impact of PLI benefits and anticipating further advantages as more supply chain vendors establish their presence in India over the next few years. The strategic investment is expected to generate between 700 to 1000 jobs over the next five years, contributing to both economic growth and employment opportunities.
Thomson CEO Krasnovsky is optimistic about the competition these laptops will face, acknowledging the presence of Google’s Chromebook and Reliance’s JioBook in the affordable segment. He emphasized that laptops are perceived as more convenient, particularly due to the familiarity of Microsoft Windows. Thomson’s offering distinguishes itself by featuring Intel processor-powered devices, providing the Windows 11 interface at a price point below Rs 19,000 and boasting an impressive 12 hours of battery life. Avinash Singh, Country Manager of Thomson India, highlighted the brand’s achievement in creating the lightest laptop, weighing merely 900gms, a recognition received at IFA in Berlin.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Sahasra Group and Thomson marks a significant stride towards realizing the goals of India’s PLI scheme, fostering indigenous manufacturing, and making cutting-edge technology more accessible to a diverse consumer base. As the partnership unfolds, it is poised to contribute not only to the growth of the IT hardware market but also to the overall economic landscape of the country.
