KBR is shifting focus to India. The NYSE-listed engineering construction and services company projects 25 per cent of turnover from its technology business to come from India.

Steven Pringle, senior vice-president at KBR told FC, “We see huge growth in demand for our technologies in fertiliser, ammonia, coal gasificiation, refineries, power and steel business.”

As part of this plan, the $12 billion company is raising its staff strength in Delhi office from 30 now to 50 by December, and 200 by the end of 2012.

“We have finalised plans to set up the largest single train ammonia plant for Matix Fertiliser and Chemicals, a JV between Essar and Datamatics, besides we are ramping the ammonia plants for Chambal Fertilisers, Kribhco and NFL,” Pringle said.

The firm is also in talks with major steel players for setting up coal gasification plants. It will be announcing a tie-up next month. KBR is also helping Essar and other oil and gas majors in their expansion plans.

“All inclusive we target a turnover of around Rs 500 crore from technological support to these companies from India for this year,” Pringle added.