Highlights
- Tata Group partners with Pegatron to open a new iPhone plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
- The Hosur facility to employ 50,000 workers and host 20 assembly lines.
- Tata’s acquisition from Wistron marks its first venture into iPhone manufacturing.
- Pegatron’s existing Tamil Nadu plant and expansion plans bolster iPhone production in India.
In a significant move that could reshape the landscape of iPhone manufacturing, Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, is reportedly in advanced discussions with Taiwan’s Pegatron to forge a partnership aimed at ramping up iPhone production in India.
This collaboration is poised to mark a pivotal shift in Apple’s manufacturing strategy, diversifying its production base away from China and deepening its footprint in South Asia.
A Strategic Alliance in Hosur, Tamil Nadu
At the heart of this alliance is the construction of a new iPhone manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, by Tata Group.
Pegged to be among the largest of its kind in India, the Hosur plant is under rapid development, with expectations to become fully operational in about a year and a half.
The facility is designed to house 20 assembly lines and employ a workforce of approximately 50,000 people, underscoring the scale at which Tata intends to contribute to iPhone production.
Tata and Pegatron: A Synergistic Partnership
The partnership under consideration between Tata and Pegatron is more than just a financial venture; it is a melding of strengths where Tata’s extensive presence in India’s industrial sector meets Pegatron’s technical prowess in electronics manufacturing.
Tata is seeking to leverage Pegatron’s expertise to expedite the setup and operationalization of the Hosur plant.
This joint venture, with Tata holding the majority stake, aims to provide the technical and engineering support essential for scaling up the manufacturing process efficiently.
Expanding Apple’s Manufacturing Base
This move is in line with Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing base.
With the ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by over-reliance on China, Apple has been keen to explore other regions for its production needs.
India, with its vast labor market and growing tech industry, presents an attractive alternative.
The Tata-Pegatron partnership, therefore, is a crucial step in Apple’s efforts to mitigate risks and ensure a stable supply chain for its flagship products.
Tata Group’s Foray into iPhone Manufacturing
The initiative to build the Hosur plant isn’t Tata Group’s first venture into iPhone manufacturing.
The conglomerate has already marked its entry into this domain through the acquisition of an iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka from Wistron for $125 million in 2023.
This acquisition made Tata the first Indian company to locally manufacture iPhones, specifically the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models.
Pegatron’s Role and Expansion Plans
Pegatron, on the other hand, is not new to the Indian manufacturing scene either.
The company already operates an iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu and is on track to expand its facilities in the region.
Its collaboration with Tata could significantly enhance its production capabilities and align with its objectives to increase its share of iPhone production in India, which currently stands at around 10%.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Tata-Pegatron partnership?
A: The collaboration between Tata Group and Pegatron is aimed at enhancing iPhone production in India, marking a significant shift in Apple’s manufacturing strategy towards diversification and risk mitigation.
Q: Where will the new iPhone manufacturing plant be located?
A: Tata Group is constructing the new iPhone manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, anticipated to be one of India’s largest iPhone assembly plants.
Q: How will the Hosur plant impact iPhone production?
A: With 20 assembly lines and a 50,000-strong workforce, the Hosur plant is expected to significantly boost iPhone production capacity, supporting Apple’s strategy to diversify its global manufacturing base.
Q: Has Tata Group previously been involved in iPhone manufacturing?
A: Yes, Tata Group entered the iPhone manufacturing domain by acquiring an assembly plant in Karnataka from Wistron in 2023, making it the first Indian company to locally manufacture iPhones.
Q: What role does Pegatron play in iPhone manufacturing in India?
A: Pegatron, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, already operates an iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu and is looking to expand its production capabilities in collaboration with Tata Group.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus to be manufactured (made) in India by Tata Group: Report