Sinks and taps manufacturer Franke Artemis Group is expanding its presence in India by launching a new range of kitchen equipment. The Groups Indian arm, Franke Faber India Ltd, is currently producing equipment such as kitchen sinks and taps, as well as built-in ovens, cook tops and dishwashers. Its aim is to make India the manufacturing hub for chimneys and hobs for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. The Switzerland-based company is relocating a part of its Research and Development centre from Sweden to India to facilitate the designing of products - primarily cooker hoods. The new facility is due to open in April next year and will serve both the domestic market and neighbouring countries. Franke is also due to begin making food service systems for fast food restaurants such as McDonalds and KFC at Aurangabad. Franke Artemis group CEO Michael Pieper said We are building a new factory within the premises of our existing plant and will begin the first output by the middle of October. He added that Franke was also interested in acquisition in the areas of taps and filtration technology.