OnePlus has announced the company will start manufacturing smartphones in India in collaboration with Foxconn within the Sri City Integrated Business City in the state of Andhra Pradesh by the end of 2015.
The production will take place in a 30,000 square feet facility with a capacity of 500,000 smartphones per month, and will employ 1,000 full-time workers.
Pete Lau, Founder & CEO, OnePlus said, “Producing smartphones in India is one of the most important decisions that we have made so far at OnePlus, and we are thankful to the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Foxconn for helping us make this happen. India being one of our biggest markets worldwide, we are committed to a long term sustainable growth path. This move will strengthen our presence and help us step up momentum in India.”
Strategic Importance of Manufacturing in India
The decision to manufacture in India is a strategic move for OnePlus, reflecting the growing importance of the Indian market in the global smartphone industry. India is not only one of the largest smartphone markets in the world but also one of the fastest-growing. By setting up a local manufacturing facility, OnePlus aims to reduce production costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and offer more competitive pricing for its products in the Indian market. This move is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes for new models to reach Indian consumers, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction.
Moreover, local manufacturing aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and create jobs. By employing 1,000 full-time workers, OnePlus is contributing to the local economy and helping to develop a skilled workforce in the region.
Impact on the Indian Smartphone Market
The company further added that the first batch of the locally manufactured smartphones will be available by the end of the year, and should help the company take care of the supply and demand of the handsets for the Indian market. This is particularly important given the high demand for OnePlus smartphones in India, which has often led to supply shortages and long waiting times for consumers.
It’s not just OnePlus; we’ve seen other Chinese manufacturers aiming to start their smartphone production in India as well. Companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have already established manufacturing units in India, recognizing the strategic advantages of local production. This trend is likely to intensify competition in the Indian smartphone market, leading to better products and services for consumers.
Additionally, local manufacturing can lead to the introduction of region-specific features and customizations in smartphones, catering to the unique needs and preferences of Indian consumers. For example, smartphones could come pre-loaded with popular Indian apps or offer features that are particularly useful in the Indian context, such as support for regional languages.
In conclusion, OnePlus’s decision to start manufacturing smartphones in India is a significant milestone for the company and the Indian smartphone market. It reflects the growing importance of India in the global tech landscape and aligns with broader economic and policy trends in the country. As more companies follow suit, we can expect to see a more vibrant and competitive smartphone market in India, benefiting consumers and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Source: NDTV
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