Tata Electronics, in the process of expanding its iPhone assembly hub in Koothanapalli, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, plans to boost its workforce by 175%, escalating from 20,000 to 55,000 employees, according to the Business Standard report.
This move coincides with speculation about Tata Electronics negotiating to acquire Pegatron's unit near Chennai.
In November last year, Tata Electronics acquired Wistron's domestic operations for 125 million dollars, marking its entry as the first Indian company to manufacture iPhones. Both Wistron and Pegatron are Taiwan-based Apple contract manufacturers.
Tata Electronics to buy majority stake in Pegatron's India unit
Tata Electronics is in discussion with Pegatron, Apple's contract manufacturer, to acquire a majority stake in its India factory, PTI sources aware of the development said.
While the actual investment details of the deal are under discussion, sources said that details will be firmed up after the general election and the deal is likely to be closed by July-August.
A PTI source aware of the development confirmed Tata Electronics is pursuing the deal but added that it's "too early to comment on details and nature of the deal".
Tata Electronics has already acquired the iPhone unit of Taiwanese company Wistron in Bangalore for USD 125 million in November last year.
Sources said that the Pegatron deal is likely to be done at a lower valuation.
The Pegatron factory in India makes iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 for which demand has started tapering now. The Pegatron and Tata's Wistron factory are expected to gain when Apple scales up its India operations.