Global tech giant Google plans to invest billions of dollars to establish smartphone manufacturing facilities in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Google intends to start the assembly of Pixel phones in the state, setting up fresh production lines in collaboration with Taiwanese contract manufacturing partner Foxconn Technology Group, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources.
Additionally, its Wing subsidiary is also expected to begin drone assembly operations in Tamil Nadu.
The move follows a delegation from the Tamil Nadu government, including Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa and senior executives, holding discussions with senior Google management in the US to advocate for their state as a prime manufacturing destination, the report said.
Bloomberg, however, said there has been no official confirmation from Google or Foxconn regarding these developments as of now.
Google’s decision to accelerate its plans for device manufacturing in India aligns with the strategic moves of companies like Apple, aiming to diversify away from China to reduce geopolitical risks.
The tech giant had initially announced its intentions to begin local manufacturing of Pixel smartphones in India, starting with Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in October last year.
We shared plans at #GoogleforIndia to manufacture Pixel smartphones locally and expect the first devices to roll out in 2024. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in India’s digital growth- appreciate the support for Make In India @PMOIndia + MEIT Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw.
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 19, 2023
The initiative aims to enhance the availability of Pixel smartphones across the country, with the first devices anticipated to hit the market sometime in 2024.
The company’s latest move highlights Tamil Nadu’s potential as an advanced manufacturing hub, already established as a key centre for Apple’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem in India, with the presence of Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata.
Google had earlier initiated a partnership with personal computer (PC) maker HP to manufacture Chromebooks at the Flex facility in Chennai.
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