In a significant boost for Make in India and for Apple’s plan to manufacture components of the iPhone locally in India, Japanese electronic parts manufacturer TDK Corp will manufacture lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells for Apple iPhones in India, announced IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
This development is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its production base and shift some manufacturing operations away from China, with India emerging as a pivotal growth driver.
Apple’s foray into Indian production commenced in 2017, initially through Wistron and subsequently through Foxconn. The tech giant collaborates with 14 suppliers in India, emphasizing its commitment to the Indian market as a key manufacturing hub.
TDK will establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in the northern state of Haryana, a move expected to generate several thousand job opportunities in the region, as highlighted by Deputy Minister for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a social media announcement.
The news, initially reported by Business Standard on Sunday, underscores TDK’s role as a leading electronic component and device maker from Japan. According to sources familiar with the matter, TDK will manufacture the battery cells in India to power iPhones assembled within the country. This strategic alignment with Apple’s supply chain diversification efforts will strengthen India’s position within the global production network.
The Li-ion battery cells produced by TDK will be supplied to Apple’s designated Li-ion battery assembler, Sunwoda Electronics, which is already operational in India. Sunwoda Electronics currently imports battery cells from various global markets.
This collaboration is poised to streamline the supply chain for Apple’s iPhone production in India, supporting the company’s vision of sustainable and localized manufacturing.
TDK, known for acquiring Hong Kong-based Li-ion battery and cell maker Amperex Technology Ltd in 2005, recently developed land in Haryana to establish a manufacturing unit. This facility is expected to be pivotal in producing Li-ion battery cells, including those destined for Apple iPhones.
Commercial production, focusing on supplying cells to Apple, is slated to commence shortly, signaling a significant milestone in the collaboration between TDK and Apple in the Indian manufacturing landscape.
