India’s information technology minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, has said Apple is preparing to expand its manufacturing operations in his country. In addition to iPhones, the company will also manufacture chargers and other components in the country.
Reuters reports Apple already uses Indian manufacturing firm Salcomp to assemble iPhones, and over the next five years the company will manufacture charges and other components.
Salcomp will reportedly invest around $279 million in its southern India plant, located near Chennai. The expansion could create up to 10,000 additional jobs.
Prasad said the iPhones manufactured in India would be exported, he estimates would be worth $1.6 billion to the country annually.
India’s recent changes in laws concerning limitations to do with locally and foreign-sourced components are aiding Apple and it suppliers. The company and its suppliers are said to be investing $1 billion in the country to meet demand.
