Bengaluru: Bengaluru added a new feather in its cap as Apple chose the city to set up its first manufacturing plant in India.
“Apple has preferred Bengaluru because the city offers a very supportive ecosystem, which is a home to high-end technology, startups and many research and development centers,” IT minister Priyank Kharge told this newspaper. He added that Apple has purchased an old facility in Peenya, which it has expanded according to its needs.
“The state will get substantial employment opportunities. The medium and small enterprises will get an opportunity to manufacture components as Apple looks forward to procure locally,” said Kharge.
Talking about the possibilities of Indians getting iPhones at much cheaper prices, Mr Kharge said, “Logically speaking, the prices should go down but I’m not quite sure about that because they (Apple) will end up paying high import taxes.” The company is expected to start its operations by June.
According to a statement, the Karnataka government has welcomed Apple’s proposal to begin initial manufacturing operations in the state.
“Apple’s intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru will foster cutting edge technology eco system and supply chain development in the state, which are critical for India to compete globally,” it said.
The Apple’s representatives including Priya Balasubramaniam, VP iPhone operations, Ali Khanafer, head of government affairs, Dheeraj Chugh, director, iPhone operations, and Priyesh Povanna, country counsel held a meeting with officials and ministers of the state government to discuss about the initiatives in manufacturing and possible collaborations.
