• Taiwan-based Foxconn will invest over $1.5 billion (roughly Rs. 12,500 crores) in India to expand iPhone production
• The investment comes after the company's factories in China were negatively impacted by the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions
• Foxconn is also aiming to double its investment and workforce in India by 2024

Investment and Expansion Strategy:

Foxconn, a key Apple supplier, is set to invest over $1.5 billion in India to facilitate the expansion of iPhone production. The significant investment will be channeled through its subsidiary, Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development, and is designated for a construction project that aligns with the company's operational needs.

Impact of Chinese COVID-19 Restrictions:

The decision to invest in India comes on the heels of challenges faced by Foxconn's Chinese factories due to stringent COVID-19 restrictions in 2022. The disruptions prompted the company to diversify its production operations outside China, making India a strategic investment destination.

Workforce and Efficiency Enhancement:

Foxconn, currently employing approximately 40,000 people at its iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu, aims to double its investment and workforce in India by 2024. To enhance efficiency, the company flew Chinese engineers to its Tamil Nadu plant earlier this year for training, addressing production challenges and improving overall output.

Challenges in India's Market:

While Foxconn has achieved high production efficiency in China, its Tamil Nadu plant faced challenges such as a higher ratio of defective units and increased costs for materials. This impacted profits compared to its Chinese counterparts, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments to thrive in the Indian market.

Competition with Tata Group:

In the coming months, Foxconn will face competition from the Tata Group, which recently completed the acquisition of Wistron's Indian unit. This move positions the Tata Group to assemble iPhone models in India, joining other key players like Pegatron, Luxshare, and Foxconn in the competitive landscape of the Indian tech market.