[Techtaffy Newsdesk]

IBM has opened a new branch office in Ludhiana, Punjab. The Ludhiana branch is IBM’s seventh new office to be opened in India in the past 12 months after those in Coimbatore, Indore, Guwahati, Dehradun, Raipur and Visakhapatnam. IBM is currently focused on increasing its presence in smaller, rapidly developing cities as India’s regions play an increasingly important part in the country’s economic growth, says the company.

Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab and is located in close proximity to the state capital Chandigarh where IBM already has an established presence. In recent years Ludhiana has experienced strong economic growth led by the development of the clothing, automotive parts and food manufacturing sectors. Small scale industries make up an important part of Ludhiana’s business landscape with over 6,000 small and medium sized enterprises operating in the city.

“We are seeing strong demand for our solutions and services in Ludhiana as businesses in the city turn to IT to increase efficiencies and improve customer service,” said Vivek Malhotra, Vice President and Territory Executive, IBM North & East India. “Crucial to Ludhiana’s economic development are small and medium sized enterprises which spur innovation in the region and are at the center of a thriving export market in the city.”

IBM’s is currently working with a number of clients in Ludhiana. For example, textile manufacturer Nahar Group and rice producer Lakshmi Energy and Foods (LEAF), as well as SPS Apollo hospital.