Corning, the renowned supplier of iPhone maker Apple’s glass components, is poised to inaugurate a gorilla glass development unit in Tamil Nadu, India. With an investment of ₹1,000 crore, the facility’s establishment signals a significant leap for Corning’s presence in the region, reported The Economic Times.
This new manufacturing unit by Corning, to be situated in Pillaipakkam near Sriperumbudur on a 25-acre plot, represents a substantial commitment to India’s burgeoning tech landscape. The facility, expected to employ approximately 300 individuals initially, holds the prospect of expansion in response to market demands, as per the report.
The choice of Tamil Nadu as the site for this Corning facility aligns with the state’s emerging status as a technological and industrial hub, attracting major players in the industry.
Corning’s entry into India bears significant implications, especially with its status as a key supplier to Apple. This move has the potential to impact the pricing of smartphones, with the manufacturing of iPhone parts and Apple electronic components expected to be facilitated in the country.
Earlier plans for Corning’s new factory in India were directed towards Telangana; however, Tamil Nadu was favored due to its proximity to other Apple vendors and the thriving electronic sector within the state, according to sources.
Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister TRB Rajaa affirmed the state’s commitment to fostering an exceptional electronics ecosystem of global standards, emphasizing its dedication to fostering a conducive environment for such investments.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously announced Corning’s foray into India, citing an initial manufacturing capacity of 30 million pieces set to gradually increase, a move that aligns with the nation’s “Make in India” initiative.
Corning’s collaboration with Apple dates back to 2007, contributing to technological advancements in mobile phones. The company’s entry into India is expected to bolster the country’s mobile phone manufacturing ecosystem, accelerating the “Make in India” supply chain and augmenting domestic production rates.
Despite earlier disruptions caused by Cyclone Michaung, which temporarily halted production of Indian-made iPhone components in Chennai and nearby areas, Corning’s investment marks a significant stride towards fortifying India’s position in the global electronics industry.
Sources By Agencies
