The leading independent supplier of turnkey wireless network solutions has chosen Singapore as its strategic base to develop applications and solutions for global markets.

The opening of Harris Stratex Networks (S) Pte Ltd (Harris Stratex Singapore), the new international headquarters (IHQ) of Harris Stratex Networks Inc, was held on 20 June 2007, giving a boost to Singapore’s growing infocommunications industry.

The 12,500 sq ft facility at Changi Business Park Central is the North Carolina-based company's first IHQ. Harris Stratex Networks Inc is the largest independent supplier of wireless transmission systems in the world. The organisation's sole focus is to provide complete wireless network solutions supported by comprehensive network management software and world-class field services. Its offices are located in every region of the world and staffed by skilled sales and support people.

On top of serving as a global logistics and procurement centre by capitalising on Singapore's world class seaport and airport infrastructure, Harris Stratex Singapore will serve as the base for all of the company's international business outside the United States. It will also host a suite of strategic activities including R&D and intellectual property management as well as supply chain management and procurement. The Singapore office is currently manned by 12 employees, most of whom are professionals recruited in Singapore, with plans to increase that number to 60 over the next three years.

An important milestone

"Our new IHQ in Singapore further demonstrates the commitment of Harris Stratex Networks in meeting the needs of our global customer base," says Guy Campbell, President and CEO, Harris Stratex Networks Inc, during the opening ceremony. "It significantly strengthens our global presence and our commitment to being a major player in Asia and adjacent regions. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) provided excellent support during the entire process, from decision making to planning and implementation."

The move not only reinforces Singapore's position as an attractive location for business, investment and talent, but boosts Singapore's aim to become a wireless technology hub for Asia-Pacific. Harris Stratex Singapore's R&D activities will build and strengthen critical capabilities for the wireless communications sector, as well as drive connectivity, innovation, and reliability - three key success factors for both Harris Stratex Networks Inc and Singapore.

In addition to providing a technology boost in the wireless communications sector, Harris Stratex will manage its global logistics operation from the Singapore facility. This enables the company to take better advantage of regional suppliers and serve its Asian customer base more efficiently.




Moving forward

All these will go towards strengthening Singapore's infocommunications sector. A key contributor to the economy, recent industry figures show that total revenue hit S$45 billion (US$29.2 billion) to represent a 20 per cent growth from 2005 to 2006, while the talent pool grew 7.5 per cent to 119,700 in 2006.

The dynamic and growing wireless industry in Singapore has been nurtured by an established base of companies like Nera Telecommunications, Amplus Communication and ST Electronics (Satcom & Sensor Systems), which have steadily increased their operations here, especially in R&D. And Harris Stratex Networks Singapore's entry into the scene bodes well for the development of a new generation of wireless professionals.

According to Lim Siong Guan, Chairman, EDB, his organisation and sister agency, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), are fully committed to ensuring the continued growth of this sector, and Harris Stratex Singapore will be able to leverage the existing talent base and, in turn, add technical know-how and domain experience to develop cutting-edge solutions for the global markets.

"Asia is clearly the next big growth market for next generation wireless services. Increasingly, multinational companies are consolidating their key operations at centralised hubs within Asia. Harris Stratex's choice of Singapore is a strong endorsement of our attractiveness as a centre for companies to manage and grow their global markets," says Lim. He added that Singapore's sophisticated infrastructure and connectivity to global markets as well as the availability of skilled manpower will give Harris Stratex a competitive advantage in meeting the needs of its global customers. A win-win partnership for all involved.