CUPERTINO, CA -- Just months after setting up a support center in India, Apple Computer has decided to pull on the plug.

The company said it would close its India subsidiary, Apple Services India, although a sales and marketing office will be maintained. A company spokesman offered no reason for the reversal.

Apple is not the first U.S. computer maker to change its mind on India. Dell Computer pulled back on its customer support operations there in late 2003 amid fierce criticism by consumer groups. Other large U.S. companies with operations there have told Circuits Assembly that turnover is extremely high.

Apple had just opened the offices a few months ago and at one point forecast the hiring of hundreds of workers. However, it had hired only 30 so far, all of whom were laid off, according to several reports.

Spokesman Steve Dowling said Apple has "re-evaluated our plans and have decided to put our planned support center growth in other countries."

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