By Arun Sudhaman

AHMEDABAD: MSLGroup has unveiled a new initiative to centralise its global design and creative servicing at a new hub in India.

MSLGroup Creative+ will provide a range of services to support the Publicis Groupe agency’s worldwide creative needs, ranging from print collateral to digital development. Headed by MSLGroup India VP Pankaj Desai, the 24/7 Ahmedabad-based unit launches with 50 staffers after piloting a number of projects for the agency’s international clients.

The move comes after an earlier effort by Text 100, which set up a similarly-styled offshoring hub in India in 2007.

MSLGroup Asia business director Josh Shapiro said that the new unit would operate as an extension of existing MSLGroup teams around the world, rather than as a conventional offshoring operation.

“It’s not a move towards shifting all creative work to India, as in-house capabilities in other countries is a core part of our offering as well,” said Shapiro.

Services will include video, identity development, packaging design, branded merchandise, online and mobile app development and print collateral.

“The communications industry has seen a convergence of expertise and content in recent years, and now more than ever before, our clients’ audiences are expecting more robust creative materials across all channels.” said MSLGroup global CEO Olivier Fleurot. “With the launch of this always-on creative solution, MSLGROUP clients and offices in any time zone will be able to work in partnership with our India-based team to deliver creative content faster, more consistently and at great value.”