Shell to set up technology center in Bangalore

8 February 2006
BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

Shell has announced that it will set up a technology center in Bangalore, Shell Technology India (STI), at par with its major research and development facilities in the USA and the Netherlands. The center is likely to open in the second half of 2006, with a purpose-built campus by 2009. Bangalore has been chosen as it is considered the Indian centre of science and technology development. Another factor fuelling Shell's interest in this project has been the attraction and retention of top Indian technical talent.

Greg Lewin, President of Shell Global Solutions, said, "We are looking for the best talent and we are pleased with the rich number of highly qualified applications that we are receiving. We have developed a value proposition for our people, which comprises a career in a global organization from an Indian base." Recruitment is already underway for the center which will co-ordinate between technology, industry and academia. It is looking to grow to over 1000 people as soon as possible.

It is looking to offer services that will span upstream exploration and production activities (finding, developing and producing oil and gas) as well as downstream refinery and chemical operations. The center is likely to enhance knowledge of the oil industry in India and is expected to help Indian graduates find work in India and abroad. Commenting on the variety of possibilities opened up by this venture, John Darley, Shell's Executive Vice-president EP Technical, said, "Research and development, and technology application are key strategic differentiators for Shell and we feel that our new centre in Bangalore will significantly contribute to our ongoing success in this field. The rich source of talent in India, will help Shell to continue to deliver on technical excellence in the future." 

Shell has already invested a $1 billion in India, according to Vikram Singh Mehta, the largest Foreign Direct Investment into India among all integrated oil companies. Shell is looking to expand its existing fields and find new resources in the face of a global ever-increasing demand for energy that is expected to grow by as much as 50% within the next 25 years.