From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, June 22: The local people would get maximum employment opportunities in IKEA Furniture and Home Furnishing outlet and the company heads have assured 75% of the jobs for the local people, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

The chief minister was speaking after inaugurating the largest outlet of Swedish furniture and home furnishing retailer Ikea at Nagasandra on Wednesday, June 22.

The preliminary talks with Ikea CEO was held during Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s recent participation in the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos.

"The company has decided to invest about Rs 3000 crore," Bommai said.

Opportunities for artisans

The launch of IKEA outlet would create more opportunities for local artisans, carpenters, furniture designers and those engaged in other related vocations. Presently the company has stated that they would provide 27% representation for local people.

"I have requested them to ramp it up. Each outlet provides employment opportunities for about 1000 persons. I have also asked them to open more outlets in Bengaluru, including one in South Bengaluru, as the city has the potential for more. Ikea was keen to launch their first outlet in Bengaluru, but it faced a few hiccups. The company has opened its outlet after struggling to get suitable land to set up the outlet,” Bommai said.

Realising dreams of middle class

Referring to the product line at IKEA, Bommai said the furniture and furnishings are of high quality and made available at affordable price. It is helpful in realising the dreams of common man and the middle class to have elegant furnishings for their dream homes.

"We have to encourage these ventures for the growth of industry, business and create job opportunities,’’ he said.

Industries minister Murugesh Nirani, Ambassador of Sweden Klas Molin, IKEA India CEO Susan Pulverer, IKEA Karnataka Marketing Manager Anje Heim and others were present.