India has finally taken the first step towards setting up Apple’s manufacturing plant here.
Yes, here. Right here. In this country. Apna desh. Bharat.
And the place that’s been selected as home to Apple’s first manufacturing base in India is … drum roll … Bengaluru!
The plant will become operational by April 2017 and Apple will start manufacturing iPhones just four months from now!!
Originally, Apple had plans to set up manufacturing plants in Maharashtra and they were in talks with Foxconn, one of their largest manufacturers. However, the deal finally went to a Taiwanese manufacturing company, Wistron, and the facility will open in Peenya, Bengaluru’s industrial hub.
What Apple’s Manufacturing Plant means for India
One of the best things to come out of this decision will be a reduction in the prices of iPhones. It will also mean that the mismatch between demand and supply in India will finally close down.
“According to Hong-Kong based Counterpoint Technology Market Research, the company sold 2.5 million iPhones in India from October 2015 to September 2016, marking a 50 per cent rise in sales. Sales were up to Rs 9,997 crore in 2016 from Rs 6,472 crore- a 56 per cent rise. Net profits also rose by 21 per cent.”
Bengaluru seems to be on amazing terms with Apple. After the startup accelerator they bagged a few months ago, this is the second big project, or should we say ‘the second feather’ they’ve added to their cap. For now, Bengaluru seems to be the de facto headquarter for Apple India.
A lot of this has to do with the “ease of doing business“ approach that the Karnataka government has adopted. It’s a classic example of how good governance can really help advance businesses. We hope that other state governments in India are taking notes and will eventually follow suit.
The New Year seems to have started off on a very good note for Apple fans, and we pray that come April, we are able to get our hands on an iPhone made right here in India. Won’t that be something now!
