Apple to start manufacturing unit in Bengaluru from 2017

US tech giant Apple is reportedly planning to set up a plant in Bengaluru directed towards the production of iPhones, according to a Times of India report. The TOI report said that Apple declined to formally comment on the matter. But the report quoted industry sources who said that the production will start from April, next year. The plant, according to TOI will be set up by Apple’s Taiwanese manufacturing partner Wistron, at Peenya in Bangalore. Apple has reportedly been discussing the plausibility of making the iPhones in the country, with the government, with an aim to make inroads in the South Asian market.

The company had sought information on the kind of incentives, including taxation and other things, it would be provided if it starts manufacturing in India. Sources also said that an inter-ministerial panel might be discussing the likely incentives Apple would be provided if it wants to manufacture or assemble in India. The meeting between ministries of finance, industry, electronics and information technology, and commerce and environment could happen next week itself. Apple has also reportedly forwarded a wish list to the government.

According to a PTI report, recently there was a meeting between officials from Apple and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) Secretary Ramesh Abhishek where matters of Foreign Direct Investment were discussed. The Wall Street Journal said that sources have informed that there was a letter given by Apple to the Indian government and later senior trade ministry authorities had a meeting with the company officials.