Tata Group Set to Acquire Wistron Factory, Spearhead iPhone Assembly in India

New Delhi: Tata Group is on the verge of becoming the first Indian company to assemble iPhones for Indian and global markets. The conglomerate has been engaged in discussions to acquire Wistron Corp’s factory in Karnataka, with an agreement expected to be finalized by August. This move could enhance India’s reputation in hardware manufacturing, aligning with the government’s “made-in-India” initiative. Wistron’s facility, valued at $600 million, currently employs over 10,000 workers assembling the iPhone 14. Tata has committed to honouring existing deals and plans to triple the plant’s workforce by next year.

Apple already relies on Taiwanese suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron to assemble select iPhone models, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone SE, in India. Tata’s takeover of the Wistron factory is significant as many tech companies seek alternatives to China for premium device assembly. India has attracted smartphone players like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo, who have set up factories in the country, with exports experiencing substantial growth.

In addition to Tata, Vedanta, an Indian mining giant, had plans to establish a semiconductor project in collaboration with Foxconn. However, the joint venture fell through, dealing a setback to PM Modi’s chipmaking ambitions for the country.