Tata Group, well-known for sealing a significant agreement to manufacture iPhones in India, is contemplating a substantial enlargement of its iPhone facility situated in Karnataka. This expansion aims to consolidate operations, potentially accommodating a workforce of 28,000 individuals in a centralised setup. The plant, located in Hosur, specialises in producing iPhone casings. The factory, initially funded with a substantial ₹5000 crore investment and spanning 500 acres, presently accommodates a workforce exceeding 15,000 employees.
Anticipated to unfold within a timeframe of 12 to 18 months, this expansion mirrors Tata Electronics’ strategic aim to bolster its expertise in the realm of high-end electronics manufacturing. Although the main emphasis could be on crafting components for Apple phones, there are discussions and considerations regarding the possibility of producing components for other leading smartphone brands.
The recent acquisition of Wistron’s factory in Karnataka by Tata Group for $125 million marked a significant stride in the domestic iPhone manufacturing landscape. Prior to this acquisition, Wistron was among the trio of Taiwanese companies engaged in iPhone production in India, alongside Foxconn and Pegatron.
Tata’s entry into iPhone production resonates with Apple’s initiative to broaden its manufacturing base beyond China, pinpointing India as a crucial market. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, underscored the importance of India in a recent earnings call, emphasising robust double-digit growth and unprecedented revenues within the nation.
The expansion and strategic acquisitions by Tata Group, along with Apple’s active manufacturing presence in India, mark a transformative phase in the country’s smartphone industry. With Tata Group poised to become India’s foremost domestic iPhone manufacturer, the landscape of high-end electronics production in the nation is set for a monumental shift.
