Tata, Pegatron commit over $1 billion to expand iPhone production in Tamil Nadu

The government of India's Tamil Nadu region has announced investment deals with international technology firms, including $1.5 billion specifically for iPhone manufacturing.

Following its 2023 purchase of Wistron's iPhone plant for $125 million, India's Tata Electronics has agreed to invest $1.4 billion for what is described as establishing mobile phone assembly operations. That ex-Wistron plant is in Karnataka, and the new deal is with the neighbouring Tamil Nadu region.

At the same time, iPhone assembler Pegatron committed $120 million for expansion in the region.

The news was announced by Tamil Nadu's government at an event on January 7, 2024, devoted to a total of over $4 billion investment in the region for smartphones, electric vehicles, and energy generation, amongst others.

"What's happened today under the leadership of the Honorable Chief Minister is that this... model of governance has delivered," TRB Rajaa, the Tamil Nadu Industries Minister, "More than the amount of investment that's come through, personally me and the Honorable Chief Minister himself, [we are] extremely elated that all these investments are coming in and creating amazing jobs for the youth of Tamil Nadu."

"And growth is getting distributed all across Tamil Nadu, that's the key word here, distributed growth," he continued. "This is the most investor-friendly government and we're very particular about diversity, equity and sustainability and inclusivity."

The minister also said that more investment news would follow shortly. It is not known whether that will be related to any Apple suppliers.