Tata Takes Over Wistron iPhone Factory In Bangalore

In a significant shift in the Indian tech manufacturing landscape, India's venerable conglomerate, Tata, has assumed control of the Wistron factory in Bangalore, previously responsible for the production of iPhones in the country. This move comes on the heels of a meeting between Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran in Mumbai, which took place amid the inauguration of Apple's inaugural retail stores in India.

Wistron, the Taiwanese contract manufacturer that initially established the facility in Narasapura, located in the Kolar district near Bangalore, had grappled with worker-related issues. Now, they have chosen to withdraw completely from their role in Apple's manufacturing process, shifting their focus to other business ventures instead.

Cook and Chandrasekaran's discussion reportedly revolved around the potential for extensive manufacturing opportunities in both the immediate and longer-term future. Key officials from the Tata group have already begun operations at the former Wistron factory, with the project receiving direct oversight from Tata Sons Chairman Chandrasekaran.

Members of Tata's executive team are actively participating in the operational, human resources, and administrative facets of the factory. According to a report in the Times of India, the Indian government has not only urged Apple to expand local manufacturing but has also advocated for the inclusion of reputable Indian corporations like Tata in pivotal functions such as manufacturing.

In its latest earnings call, Apple reiterated India's importance and has been very bullish about its growth. Apple has been gently diversifying its manufacturing away from China due to a combination of geopolitical issues, and COVID-related lockdowns, which have dramatically disrupted its supply chain.