Nokia has plans to invest in a new manufacturing facility in India to better meet demand for mobile devices in the country. The company expects growing mobile penetration in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be a major contributor to the global mobile subscriber base surpassing the two billion mark in 2006.

"India's position at the heart of a rapidly growing mobile communications region makes it an attractive option for establishing our new manufacturing facility," said Pekka Ala-Pietilä, president of Nokia, today during a visit to India where he met with governmental authorities and the media. "The factory would be an integral part of our global manufacturing network and help fulfill growing demand as mobile communications become increasingly affordable and available to more people in this diverse region."

Nokia anticipates investing an estimated USD 100-150 million along with its key suppliers over four years once the final investment decision is made. Nokia foresees ramping up the factory gradually and the work force reaching approximately 2,000 employees when production is full scale. The final investment evaluation process is ongoing and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2005.

Nokia currently has nine mobile device manufacturing facilities around the world.