US-based Gorilla Glass manufacturer Corning laid the foundation stone for a new facility to produce front cover glass for smartphones near Chennai on Tuesday. The manufacturing plant, with an investment of approximately Rs 1,000 crore, will be located at Pillaipakkam. Corning serves as the main supplier to Apple iPhone and numerous other smartphone brands such as Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus.
Operating as a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom, a listed mobile and IT hardware manufacturer, the facility named Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies (BIG Tech) will be India’s first to manufacture finished glass cover parts for mobile phones, according to a company release.
The facility is scheduled to commence production by the second half of 2025, starting with 30 million pieces in its initial phase and employing 500 individuals, with plans for expansion based on demand. This initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the company and the state government earlier this year.
Located at the SIPCOT Pillaipakkam industrial park in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, the facility aims to meet the increasing demand for smartphone components in India as the country boosts its exports.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin emphasized, “Today’s ground-breaking for Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies (BIG Tech) not only marks a significant investment in our state’s industrial capabilities but also reinforces Tamil Nadu’s position as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.”
David Velasquez, vice president of Corning Gorilla Glass, highlighted that the facility will support customers as they adjust their supply chains. He stated, “We’re giving more consumers in the region an opportunity to experience the renowned durability of Gorilla Glass.”
Ashok Gupta, executive chairman of Optiemus, commented, “Establishing India’s first cover-glass finishing operation for mobile consumer electronics is a major milestone in our journey to meet the growing demand for high-quality, advanced cover glass.” Optiemus is involved in the assembly of mobile phones and IT hardware.
