Tech giant Google is taking a big step towards expanding its manufacturing capabilities by starting to produce its Pixel smartphones in India. According to sources familiar with the development, Google is planning to manufacture the phones at a Foxconn facility in the state of Tamil Nadu.
This move comes as India has become an attractive location for global companies looking to diversify their supply chains away from China amid increasing tensions with the West. Google had announced last year its intention to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India, starting with the Pixel 8.
In a blog post, Google stated, “India is a priority market for Pixel smartphones, and we’re committed to bringing the best of our hardware and underlying built-in software capabilities to people across the country.” Now, with the latest news, it seems that Google is on track to fulfill this commitment.
Sources have revealed that Google and Foxconn have already signed a contract for the manufacturing of advanced versions of Pixel smartphones at the Tamil Nadu facility. Production is expected to commence within this calendar year. Foxconn, known for assembling Apple’s iPhones at its Chennai facility, will now also be producing Google’s flagship smartphones.
The decision to manufacture Pixel phones in Tamil Nadu was reportedly made after state officials held discussions with Google executives. There are further reports that officials from Google will be meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, in Chennai soon.
This development is not only a strategic move for Google in terms of expanding its manufacturing footprint, but it also highlights India’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub for tech companies. With its skilled workforce and favorable business environment, India is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for global firms looking to establish or expand their manufacturing operations.
Overall, Google’s decision to produce Pixel smartphones in India signals a significant investment in the country’s manufacturing sector and is expected to have positive implications for the local economy and technology ecosystem. It will be interesting to see how this partnership between Google and Foxconn unfolds and how it contributes to India’s position as a key player in the global tech industry.
