Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (Foxconn) has rapidly scaled up operations for its new iPhone assembly facility in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, hiring nearly 30,000 employees in just eight to nine months, sources told ET. This marks the fastest factory ramp-up in India to date and underscores Apple’s push to diversify its supply chain beyond China.
Women Workforce Dominates the Facility
The sprawling 300-acre facility is predominantly staffed by women, who make up around 80% of the workforce. Most employees are between 19 and 24 years old and in their first jobs. Production testing began in April-May this year with the iPhone 16, and the factory now manufactures the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models. More than 80% of output is exported.
Expansion Plans and Workforce Potential
When the factory reaches full capacity next year, it could employ up to 50,000 workers. Six large dormitories are already functional to house female staff, with construction underway for additional accommodation. The expansion is expected to make this the largest single-location employer of women in India.
Mini Township in the Making
Many workers are migrant women from neighboring states. The facility is being developed as a mini township with residential, medical, educational, and recreational amenities. In addition to free housing and subsidized meals, workers earn an average of around ₹18,000 per month, among the highest for women in blue-collar jobs.
Massive Investment and Scale
Foxconn is investing ₹20,000 crore in the Devanahalli plant, which will likely become India’s largest factory in terms of production capacity and employment. The production floor spans nearly 250,000 sq ft. The new facility is expected to surpass Foxconn’s first iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu, which employs nearly 41,000 people. The plant will eventually operate up to a dozen assembly lines, compared to four at present.
Key Part of Apple’s Global Supply Chain
Apple has been shifting iPhone production from China to India, supported by the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme launched in 2021. Government officials describe the facility as a benchmark for manufacturing and exports in India, reflecting strong government-industry collaboration.
Training and Ecosystem Development
Apple’s rapid scaling in India is supported by nearly 45 local suppliers and sub-assembly partners. New hires, primarily high school or polytechnic graduates, undergo a six-week on-the-job training module before joining production. Apple works closely with partners to develop the local ecosystem, including skills training and supplier support, reinforcing India’s role in its global supply chain.
