Taiwanese electronics giant, Foxconn, a prominent supplier to Apple, has announced plans to commence iPhone manufacturing in Bengaluru by April 2024. According to Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, the Karnataka state government will provide the required land for the proposed Devanahalli plant by July 1. The 300-acre land at ITIR of Devanahalli has been earmarked for this purpose. To support the project, the government will ensure provisions such as water supply, power, road connectivity, and other necessary infrastructure facilities.

The new government in Karnataka, led by Congress, revealed this development just weeks after assuming office. The ambitious project, valued at Rs 13,600 crore, is expected to generate 50,000 employment opportunities. Foxconn has been asked to provide details regarding the desired skill sets of potential employees. Consequently, the government will facilitate training programs to enhance the employability of eligible candidates.

Foxconn has already paid Rs 90 crore (30% of the land cost) to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board. The company aims to complete the project in three phases and targets an annual production of 20 million units (2 crore units) once all phases are completed.

The announcement came after a courtesy meeting between Foxconn representatives, led by George Chu, and Minister MB Patil. Priyanka Kharge, Karnataka’s Information and Technology Minister, was also present during the meeting.

In a previous statement, Foxconn revealed its acquisition of a vast 1.2 million-square-meter land in Devanahalli, near the Bengaluru airport. As the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer and a major assembler of Apple iPhones, the company’s move to establish a manufacturing base in the tech hub signifies significant developments in the Indian electronics industry.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had previously announced that Apple would soon commence iPhone production, creating approximately 100,000 jobs.