US-based tech giant Corning Inc., creator of the renowned Gorilla Glass, will invest ₹1,000 crore to establish a manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India. Poised for future expansion, this new facility in Pillaipakkam near Sriperumbudur spans 25 acres and is expected to generate over 800 jobs.

What Happened? In a strategic move that bolsters India’s position as a key player in the global electronics manufacturing landscape, Corning has joined forces with Optiemus Infracom Limited. The plant will focus on producing glasses for electronic devices, particularly smartphones.

This development is a significant boost to India’s electronics sector, marking the entry of yet another major Apple supplier into the country. Corning selected Tamil Nadu over Telangana for its well-established electronics ecosystem and proximity to other Apple suppliers.

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The joint venture between Corning and Optiemus, named Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies Private Limited (BIG TECH), has inked a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government. The agreement paves the way for the construction of the factory at the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Pillaipakkam, which will create 840 jobs.

What to know? The factory will manufacture front-cover glasses for devices such as mobile phones, including Apple iPhones. This venture will introduce precision glass-processing technology to India for the first time, a significant milestone.

Corning’s decision to invest in India aligns with the growing trend of major Apple suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron establishing their manufacturing presence in the country. This move further cements India’s growing reputation as a hub for the production of key components in the tech industry.

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