Intex Technologies, which had outlined plans to set up a manufacturing unit in Telangana to cater to the Southern market, today said that it will take a final call after the rollout of GST.

Nidhi Markanday, Director & Busines Head, Intex Technologies, said, “We are keen for a manufacturing base in South. However, post the demonetisation, we had decided to put off the decision. However, we will take a final call once the GST is rolled out.”

Speaking here after the launch of air-conditioners, including those specially targeted at homemakers, she said, “The AC range currently offered are being sourced through original equipment manufacturers based on the company’s in-house R&D. But by next year, we will get into full-fledge manufacturing of ACs.”

The company launch of air-conditioners, is a segment which the diversified company has recently forayed into.

Markanday said, “Intex, as a strong brand, has always tried to change people’s lives through affordable and quality products. Following on the huge success of our recent additions in the consumer durables portfolio, refrigerators and washing machines, we complete our product portfolio by standing for all home-makers in the country, giving them a product that will become a symbol of their strength and emancipation.”

Within the consumer durables space in the country, ACs have the least market size of nearly four million units with low penetration at 2-3 per cent. These figures clearly show the immense untapped potential in the country for ACs.

“Intex being an established brand in the Tier-II and Tier-III cities will surely be able to expand the market of ACs,” she said.

South Indian actor Catherine Tresa Alexander introduced the new range here and stated, “I am delighted to see Intex launching ACs for homemakers and women in various walks of life.”

The company has introduced a range of 18 innovative models across four segments, super saver, fixed speed, split AC with parallel flow condenser coil and window AC.

Asked about possible investments in new facility, Nidhi said,”Typically, an assembly line for one product requires investment of about ₹100-150 crore. While we are looking at mobile making unit initially, this will be expanded to other products, including other consumer durables.”