In a significant development that could redefine India’s electronics manufacturing landscape, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn is preparing to establish a large-scale iPhone production facility in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. If finalised, this move would mark the company’s first manufacturing unit in North India, adding further momentum to India’s emerging global manufacturing alternative to China.
300 Acres Near Yamuna Expressway Eyed
According to a report by The Economic Times, Foxconn is in the advanced stages of acquiring nearly 300 acres of land near the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida. While the deal has yet to be officially sealed, sources indicate that the proposed facility could rival or even surpass Foxconn’s existing unit in Bengaluru in terms of scale.
This planned plant is expected to play a key role in Foxconn’s strategy to diversify supply chains amid global trade tensions and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing bases.
Potential Job Boom: 40,000 Positions Expected
Foxconn isn’t just building a factory; it’s also planning to house around 40,000 workers. This shows the company is in it for the long haul, bringing big job opportunities and serious manufacturing activity to the area. Strengthening India’s iPhone Production Push
Although the precise iPhone models that will be produced at the Noida plant are still unknown, the action is consistent with Apple’s larger plans to increase its footprint in India. At its facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, Foxconn is already assembling iPhone 15 models. In 2023, Apple reportedly exported around 1.5 million iPhones (approximately 600 tons) from India to the U.S. a move that was made smoother after customs clearance time at Chennai Airport was cut drastically from 30 hours to just 6.
Separate Semiconductor Venture in Progress
It’s worth noting that Foxconn is simultaneously working on another project a semiconductor assembly and testing unit in collaboration with Indian tech firm HCL. The joint venture spans 50 acres and involves an investment of $37.2 million (approximately ₹310 crore), with Foxconn holding a 40% stake. This semiconductor initiative is distinct from the proposed iPhone manufacturing unit and is currently awaiting final cabinet approval from the Government of India.
Strategic Win for Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government is reportedly enthusiastic about the proposal. Officials view the project as a critical step toward positioning Greater Noida as a global electronics manufacturing hub. Notably, the Noida-Greater Noida belt already contributes nearly 50% to India’s mobile phone exports, adding further strategic merit to Foxconn’s potential investment.
A government source emphasized the region’s growing appeal to international brands like Apple, calling it a “natural choice for a global manufacturing base.”
Broader Implications
The proposed Foxconn plant is not only expected to create thousands of jobs but also catalyze ancillary growth in logistics, housing, and local services. The move is also a vote of confidence in India’s manufacturing incentives and infrastructure readiness, especially in the context of the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
What’s Next?
Though the deal is yet to be finalized, industry analysts are watching Foxconn’s next steps closely. A successful land purchase followed by project implementation would be a milestone in India’s quest to become a world electronics manufacturing hub — and a big step for Uttar Pradesh’s industrial aspirations.
Also Read: Apple’s Expansion in India: Foxconn to Double Output
