Chennai, Jan 5 (IANS): Beefing up its offerings by acquiring Ignify, a software solutions provider for the retail sector, Hitachi Solutions India has planned to increase its headcount by around 300 in 18 months' time, a top company official said on Tuesday.

"We intend to touch 1,000 employee strength in 18 months time. Currently Hitachi Solutions India has around 300 people," Ananthanarayanan Subramanian, CEO and managing director told IANS here.

The acquisition of Ignify would increase the headcount by another 450 people, Subramanian said on the sidelines of the meeting to announce the acquisition.

Hitachi Solutions India is a subsidiary of $200 million Hitachi Solutions America Ltd which in turn is part of Japan based Hitachi Solutions Ltd.

"India is important for our global strategy. Nearly 50 percent of our revenue is from our operations and the balance 50 percent is from acquisitions," Keho Akiyama, chief executive officer said earlier.

The company hopes to touch a revenue of around $680 million in 3-4 years time, said Mike Gills, president and global chief operating officer said.

Hitachi Solutions India acquired Ignify for an undisclosed sum.

Ignify is a solutions provider specialising in Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics AX for retail point of sale.