Indian outsourcer Wipro outsources to Reading

OUTSOURCING GIANT Wipro must be finding Bangalore a bit expensive lately as it has decided to expand its facility in the wilds of Reading.

Famous for its Thunderbird Towers-like County Council building that rises above the shanty towns, Reading is probably the most bypassed town on the M4 next to Slough.

The company's centre at Reading was inaugurated by The Right Worshipful Mayor of Reading Councilor Fred Pugh who said it was jolly nice of Wipro to invest in the city during these difficult times.

After all, many local companies have been laying off workers so they could sign cheaper outsourcing deals with Indian outfits that don't come over here and take their jobs.

Actually one of the reasons Wipro is in Reading is because some of its major customers are the local councils.

Wipro's involvement in the town has been increasing. At one time it had only 30 staff in its Reading office, but now, er, it is not saying.

Wipro is also setting up a headquarters in London that will mostly be a sales office.

Ayan Mukerji, head of Europe operations for Wipro Technologies, said that he was hoping for big things from the UK.

Wipro's European operations account for approximately 26 per cent of its overall IT Services revenue.

The establishment of its new offices makes Wipro a leading UK IT company, which will help Wipro's growth strategy in the UK and its overall growth in the European region, Mukerji said. µ