Tata Electronics Developing High-Tech Machinery To Manufacture iPhone Casing In Tamil Nadu

Tata Electronics is developing a highly intricate and advanced high-precision machinery internally, specifically tailored for producing Apple iPhone casings, says a report by the Economic Times (ET). Citing sources, the report added that the company has partnered with two Indian manufacturers to enhance its capabilities and intends to eventually export these sophisticated machines. Previously, the Tatas relied on imports from China for such equipment, the ET report further noted.

The equipment is versatile, suitable for integration into the production lines of contract manufacturers serving global corporations like Apple. The initiative goes beyond just boosting local production; it also paves the way for future exports, aligning with India’s ambitious aim of achieving a $300 billion electronics export milestone by 2025, the report added.

According to a person familiar with the matter informed ET that the Tata Group is methodically testing these machines at their Hosur facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The objective is to elevate local capabilities from mere enclosure assembly to nurturing a holistic manufacturing ecosystem within the country.

“The Tata Group is testing these machines in a staged manner at their Hosur facility. Part of the objective is to grow more of its local capability because the company is not just looking to build enclosures, it wants to develop the ecosystem in the country. These machines are just one of the many inputs that go into making a component or an enclosure that the company is looking at to reduce its exclusive dependence on certain parts,” said the ET report, citing sources.

To recall, in February, a report by Mint said that the Tata Group was in the final stages of negotiations to establish a joint venture with Taiwan’s Pegatron to establish its second iPhone manufacturing facility in Hosur City, Tamil Nadu. The collaboration was anticipated to accelerate Tata’s iPhone manufacturing endeavors while facilitating Apple’s expansion in India. As per a Reuters report, the Taiwanese company was set to offer technical and engineering assistance at the Hosur facility.