Cisco Plans Research Facility in China

Network equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. plans to spend $32 million to open a research and development center in China, the company said.

The facility, to be located in Shanghai, is expected to open by April, Cisco Chief Executive John Chambers said. The company expects to hire about 100 employees over the next 18 months to staff the center.

Cisco said its plan is a response to the “increased and sustained growth” of network service providers in China.

Shares of Cisco fell 6 cents to $18.90 on Nasdaq.