In a strategic move aimed at diversifying production locations, Japanese electronic parts manufacturer TDK Corp is set to venture into manufacturing lithium-ion (li-ion) battery cells for Apple iPhones in India, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister for Information Technology, said.
Apple has been exploring India as a pivotal growth hub, aiming to shift a portion of its production away from China. Since commencing iPhone assembly in India in 2017 through manufacturers like Wistron and subsequently Foxconn, Apple has steadily expanded its footprint in the country, engaging a total of 14 suppliers.
TDK’s foray into India involves the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the northern state of Haryana, anticipated to generate approximately 1,000 new employment opportunities. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to decentralize its manufacturing operations and diversify its supply chain, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said via the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday.
The news, initially reported by Business Standard on Sunday, outlined that the cells produced at this new facility will be furnished to Apple’s li-ion battery assembler, Sunwoda Electronics. This step underscores a significant evolution in Apple’s sourcing strategy, signaling a deeper commitment to sourcing critical components for its devices from multiple regions.
The collaboration between TDK Corp and Apple signifies a strategic step towards creating a robust manufacturing ecosystem for essential components in India. It not only reinforces Apple’s commitment to the Indian market but also sets the stage for technological advancements and job creation in the region’s burgeoning electronic manufacturing landscape.
