Tata Group recently completed the acquisition of Wistron’s iPhone manufacturing plant in India and is now gearing up to construct one of the country’s largest iPhone assembly facilities. This strategic move is in line with Apple’s endeavor to boost local manufacturing in India, demonstrating the conglomerate’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities for Apple products within the nation.
Key Points of Tata Group’s iPhone Assembly Plans in India
Acquisition and Expansion: Tata Group completed the acquisition of Wistron’s iPhone manufacturing plant and is set to construct a new iPhone assembly facility near Bangalore, Karnataka, with plans for an additional factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
Scale of Operations: The upcoming assembly plant is projected to house around 20 assembly lines, potentially creating employment opportunities for about 50,000 individuals within the initial two years of operation.
Factory Comparisons: Though the new facility will be of medium scale compared to global standards, it will exceed the size of Tata’s previous acquisition from Wistron, albeit smaller in scale than the monumental manufacturing hubs owned by Foxconn in China.
Expansion Initiatives: Tata Group is focusing on expanding its existing facility in Hosur, primarily manufacturing iPhone enclosures. Additionally, the conglomerate plans to establish 100 retail outlets exclusively dedicated to Apple products.
Apple’s Local Manufacturing: Apple has been amplifying its production in India, manufacturing around 7 percent of iPhones domestically, with plans to increase its sourcing of components from the country to reduce reliance on China.
Economic Impact: The expansion efforts are expected to significantly boost job creation and economic development in the regions where these manufacturing facilities are being established.
Benefits of the Expansion
Employment Opportunities: The assembly facilities are anticipated to generate substantial employment, providing jobs for thousands in Bangalore, Karnataka, and Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
Technological Advancements: With these facilities, India stands to benefit from technological advancements, skill development, and technology transfer, contributing to its long-term growth.
Economic Boost: The expansion of manufacturing operations, retail outlets, and increased local sourcing by Apple will likely contribute positively to India’s economy.
Reduced Reliance on China: Apple’s strategy to boost local manufacturing in India aims to diversify its production and reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
Export Potential: The domestically produced iPhone units being exported to other markets also indicate India’s potential as an export hub, contributing to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
Future Production Plans
Foxconn, a key manufacturing partner of Apple, is heavily investing in India’s production capabilities. With plans for a new Karnataka-based plant capable of manufacturing 20 million iPhones annually, Apple and its partners aim to produce 50 million iPhones per year in India by 2030, accounting for a significant share of global production, although China is set to remain the primary manufacturing hub.
