Swagelok has recently kicked off operations here by setting up a marketing network to supply the entire range of 8,500-and-odd products to the domestic market. ``We consider India a potential market but will go step by step to set up a manufacturing base here,'' Fallow said.

Once the marketing network is firmly in place, Swagelok will establish a distribution centre and assembly line before establishing a manufacturing unit, he said. This is a common practice for Swagelok while expanding business in new markets. It also requires a large investment and approval from the Government authorities.

If the plans materialise, the unit could beused as a hub to supply the product in the southeast Asian markets. India was considered a favorable destination for investment as it had some advantages over other countries. These include geographic location, well-established and growing industry, large domestic market, qualified labour and skills in the English language, he said.

The vast range of products manufactured by Swagelok are used primarily by industries like oil, gas, power, chemicals and petrochemicals. The list includes components such as tube fittings, valves, tube welding systems, microfittings and high pressure valves.

The company has appointed sales & service partners in Mumbai, Baroda, New Delhi and Bangalore. Though Swagelok products are already being used by local units, the company plans to offer easy access and competitive pricing with a local marketing network.

Swagelok's clientele in the country include ONGC, BPCL, Enron, Mico, HPCL, GAIL, Pepsi Foods and NTPC.

``Large growth is expected in infrastructure and if all pendingexpansion projects take off, there will be a huge demand for our product in the domestic market,'' said Fallow. India has an around $100 million market for Swagelok products.