Taiwanese electronics giant Wistron is making significant strides in the Indian market by partnering with Shapoorji Pallonji to build a state-of-the-art laptop manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. This ambitious project is part of a substantial investment plan amounting to ₹1,500 crore (approximately $180 million) aimed at boosting local production and creating job opportunities in the region.
Major Investment in Laptop Manufacturing
According to reliable sources, Wistron’s subsidiary, ICT Service Management Solutions, has officially signed a construction agreement with Shapoorji Pallonji valued at around $30 million. This collaboration marks a significant step towards establishing a robust manufacturing base in India, specifically tailored for laptop production.
- Investment Value: ₹1,500 crore
- Construction Contract: $30 million
- Location: Hi-Tech Defence & Aerospace Park, Devanahalli, Bengaluru
Growth and Employment Opportunities
In February 2024, Wistron entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka government, solidifying plans for the new facility. The government has allocated a generous 32-acre site within the Hi-Tech Defence & Aerospace Park to house the new plant. This initiative is projected to create approximately 3,000 jobs and aims for over 50% of the laptops produced to be exported.
Initially, Wistron had earmarked $40 million (around ₹350 crore) for the facility’s construction; however, this estimate was later increased to $50 million (nearly ₹450 crore) as plans progressed. Construction is expected to commence soon, with the goal of starting production by January 2026.
Transitioning from iPhone Manufacturing
In a notable shift, Wistron recently divested its interests in the Apple iPhone manufacturing sector in India, selling its stake in Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) to Tata Electronics for $131 million (over ₹1,000 crore). This landmark deal made Tata the first domestic assembler of iPhones in India, marking a new chapter for both companies.
Despite exiting the iPhone market, Wistron continues to operate in India through three subsidiaries: ICT Service Management Solutions, Smartiply India, and Wistron Automotive Electronics (India). Each entity plays a distinct role in the tech ecosystem, focusing on various sectors such as import-export services, IoT product development, and automotive electronics.
A New Era for ICT in India
The upcoming Bengaluru facility will serve as a contract laptop manufacturer for various global brands. Beyond production, it will also offer essential services such as warranty repairs, inventory management, and logistics solutions to enhance Wistron’s operational capabilities in India.
This strategic move not only enhances Wistron’s footprint in the Indian electronics landscape but also signifies a growing trend of local manufacturing, which is crucial for meeting the demands of an increasingly digital world.
