Foxconn looks to expand Chennai iPhone facility
Apple iPhone-maker Foxconn is likely to expand its manufacturing facility in India by adding two additional buildings at its site near Chennai, according to people aware of the plans.
It is also looking to establish a research and development centre in Bengaluru’s Whitefield, two other officials told ET, in what is a strong indication of the rapid capacity expansion in India by the contract manufacturer.
This comes amid Apple CEO Tim Cook’s visit to India to launch its first store
in the country, signalling the American giant’s growing ambitions in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.
In March, Foxconn chairman Young Liu marked his second visit to India in less than a year by committing to further investments. India is becoming an increasingly important location for Foxconn, one of the largest suppliers of Apple products worldwide.
“A few months ago, Foxconn proposed to expand manufacturing facilities within its existing premises,” a person aware of the developments cited above told ET.
The Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India facility is situated at Sriperumbudur near Chennai.
“They (Foxconn) broadly indicated that there would be at least two more buildings that they would like to construct to manufacture iPhones. Detailed plans will be submitted later when they seek approvals and clearance,” the source said.
