SolidWorks keen to increase 3D CAD skills in India

BANGALORE: SolidWorks, which specializes in 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, announced today that it looked at India as both a challenge and opportunity.

Speaking at the sidelines of its user conference in Bangalore, J McEleney, CEO, SolidWorks, said, “While the CAD market globally is in the 3D adoption stage, the Indian market is still at a very early stage. There are millions of users using 3D CAD worldwide, while in India it's a few thousands.”

He said that if the Indian IT industry wants to go after the outsourced design services opportunity, it needs to close the gap in 3D skills. “A lot of forward thinking companies globally use 3D CAD. If they plan to outsource these designing, Indian companies need to be adept at using 3D tools.”

To bridge the skill gap, SolidWorks announced its recent tie-up with the CADD center for training. The company is also partnering with the directorate of technical education in Maharashtra, and helping global customers find Indian partners.

The global market for 3D design tools is estimated at around $550-$600 million and is growing at 15 per cent year on year. McEleney said that SolidWorks was growing at double the market rate.

SolidWorks has around 3000 users in India and has R&D centers in Mumbai and Pune. Its customers include component manufacturers in the automotive industry, aerospace, machinery and industrial components segments. The company has over 18 Value added resellers in India in the metros as well as industrial cities like Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Nasik, Ludhiana and Baroda.