Apple’s key ally in tech, Corning, known for its robust Gorilla Glass, is setting up shop in Tamil Nadu with an investment of ₹1,000 crore. This new venture, sprouting in Pillaipakkam, promises to generate employment for around 300 folks and potentially expand its 25-acre footprint in the future.

What to know: According to an ET report, this move is a strategic play in India’s tech saga, where Apple’s presence has been burgeoning, and Corning’s setup is a cherry on top for the state’s electronics scene. The state’s robust electronics network and the proximity to other Apple partners swayed Corning’s decision to root its new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu over Telangana.

Though earlier, there were whispers of Corning leaning towards Telangana, the final handshake happened in Tamil Nadu, with an official Memorandum of Understanding expected to unfurl at the upcoming Global Investor Meet in January.

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A major win for Apple: Corning, the undisputed king of strengthened glass used in countless gadgets, is partnering with Indian firm Optiemus Infracom for this project. While the timeline isn’t set in stone, the expectation is to have the factory up and running within a year.

This development aligns with the Indian government’s digital ambitions, as highlighted by the Union Minister’s announcement of Corning’s plans to start display glass finishing in India, boosting the country’s manufacturing landscape.

Corning’s move is part of a larger picture where Apple aims to deepen its manufacturing roots in India, amidst diversifying its supply chain away from dependency on China.

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