Identifying the residential and IT segments as potential growth areas, Voltas Ltd has introduced initiatives to tackle these segments aggressively. It has entered into a distribution tie-up with the 62 million euro Italian airconditioning major Uniflair, which specialises in the design, production and supply of precision air conditioning and cooling solutions for telecom and internet applications. It has also launched a sub-Rs 1,000 Vertis airconditioner range in 0.6 and 0.8 ton capacities.

The range, which is capable of cooling a 120-150 sq ft room, is specifically targeted at the SOHO segment and small areas like a study, puja room or small retail outlets. While the .06 ton is priced at Rs 9,990, the .08 ton will cost Rs 11,000. "With the right size of AC for small rooms, the product will result in low unit cost and the convenience of being portable," vice-president, Cooling Appliances Business Division (CABD) KJ Jawa. The company is targeting a sale of at least 25,000 units in the first year.

The company, which is targeting doubling the division’s turnover from Rs 375 crore this fiscal to Rs 750 in a period of two years, is also strengthening its distribution network, by increasing retail outlets from 1,100 to 1,400.

According to the distribution tie-up with Uniflair, Voltas will distribute and service the products under the Uniflair brandname. Uniflair has a presence in 60 countries across 5 continents. Exports account for 72 per cent of its turnover. In India it will provide products for data centres and telecom shelters.