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Apple to make iPhones from April in Hyderabad
Curtailing down the hopes of Telangana for getting Apple assembly unit in Hyderabad, the US tech giant has confirmed its plans to set up its unit on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Latest tweet on Friday by Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge reveals that Apple has zeroed in on Bengaluru.
Hyderabad/Bengaluru: Curtailing down the hopes of Telangana for getting Apple assembly unit in Hyderabad, the US tech giant has confirmed its plans to set up its unit on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Latest tweet on Friday by Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge reveals that Apple has zeroed in on Bengaluru.
Hyderabad was expecting Apple’s assembly unit as the world’s largest tech company opened $25-mn mapping centre ‘Apple Maps,’ its first facility in India, in the city. Contrary to the expectations, neighbouring state took Apple Inc in its fold.
The Karnataka IT Minister tweeted: “Glad to announce initial manufacturing operations of the world's most valued company Apple in Karnataka from April. Another validation for
Karnataka.”
Kharge said that Apple representatives had met with the state ministers and officials on manufacturing devices here. Apple's delegation was led by Priya Balasubramaniam, vice-president iPhone operations, a native of Bengaluru city who joined Apple's headquarters in Cupertino in 2001.
While no deal or memorandum of understanding has yet been signed, it is being said that Apple will go ahead with contract manufacturer Wistron to make iPhones in the country.
The plant is being set up in Peenya, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. However, the scale of Apple's India manufacturing operation is still hinged on negotiations with the Central government over sops.
After formation of Telangana, IT Minister KT Rama Rao spearheaded its effort to get global conglomerates to Hyderabad.
With Apple stepping in last year, Hyderabad now is proud to be a home to four of the top-5 most-valued tech companies' largest office outside the US as the city already has the presence of Google, Microsoft and Amazon.
But, the Karnataka government confirmed that it received a proposal from Apple to begin initial manufacturing operations in the state, in a sign, the tech company is slowly moving forward with plans to assemble iPhones in the country.
“Apple’s intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru will foster cutting edge technology eco system and supply chain development in the state, which are critical for India to compete globally,” said a statement from the Karnataka government.
“Apple's decision on initial manufacturing in Bengaluru has further enhanced the reputation of Bengaluru as the most preferred destination for foreign investment and further validation of the state government policies aimed at fostering manufacturing, innovation and investments in Karnataka,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Telangana IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan maintained that there was no official confirmation yet from Apple about its plans to set up assembling plant in Karnataka.
“It’s but natural that all states vie for investments, but it’s for the companies to decide where to invest,” he told The Hans India.
