The commencement of commercial production is expected soon, marking a notable collaboration between TDK and Apple in India’s manufacturing sector and generating employment.
Japan’s TDK Corporation is set to begin producing lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells for Apple’s iPhones in India, marking a key step in Apple’s efforts to diversify its manufacturing operations beyond China. This move is significant as it will be one of the first major iPhone components to be sourced locally in India, aligning with the country’s growing role as a major hub for Apple’s production.
Announced by India’s IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this development is a major endorsement for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. TDK’s decision to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Haryana is expected to generate several thousand job opportunities, further boosting the region’s economy.
TDK’s upcoming facility in Haryana is set to enhance India’s role in the global production network. The batteries manufactured by TDK will be supplied to Sunwoda Electronics, a Li-ion battery assembler already functioning in India and currently importing battery cells from various international markets.
This partnership is expected to streamline Apple’s iPhone production supply chain in India, supporting the company’s goal of sustainable and localized manufacturing. TDK has recently bought land in Haryana to establish this new manufacturing unit, which will be instrumental in producing Li-ion battery cells, including those for Apple iPhones.
Apple’s journey in Indian production began in 2017, partnering with manufacturers like Wistron and Foxconn. Presently, Apple works with 14 suppliers in India, underlining its commitment to the nation as a key manufacturing center.
