The Karnataka Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, held a key meeting on Friday with Young Liu, CEO and Chairman of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), to discuss bolstering the company’s investment in Karnataka and exploring potential expansion avenues. The discussions highlighted Foxconn’s current and future projects, which are anticipated to substantially contribute to the state’s economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
The meeting was attended by prominent members of Karnataka’s delegation, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil, Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge, Principal Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Industries Dr. Selvakumar S., and Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of the Department of Commerce and Industries Gunjan Krishna.
Foxconn is set to establish a major mobile phone assembly plant, known as Project Elephant, in Karnataka. The company has secured 300 acres of land in the ITIR Industrial Area, spanning Doddaballapura and Devanahalli Taluk in Bengaluru Rural District. With an investment of Rs 22,000 crore, this project is projected to generate over 40,000 jobs.
Construction for the project is already in progress. The Department of Commerce and Industries, in collaboration with other key departments, is working to secure all necessary approvals and ensure a seamless supply of essential utilities, including power and water, to the site. This visit marked Young Liu’s first trip to Bengaluru since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd) and the State Government last year.
In March of the previous year, the government had approved Foxconn’s initial proposal to invest $1 billion to set up the iPhone factory, later dubbed ‘Project Elephant.’ Subsequently, Foxconn increased its investment by an additional $1.7 billion. Foxconn is constructing a state-of-the-art facility to assemble 20 million smartphones annually on a 300-acre plot in the IT investment region near the international airport. The entire project, with an investment size of Rs 22,000 crore, is anticipated to create over 50,000 jobs.
In March last year, the Karnataka government approved Foxconn’s proposal to invest $1 billion in establishing an iPhone factory, which the company nicknamed “Project Elephant.” Subsequently, the world’s largest electronics manufacturer increased the investment by an additional $1.7 billion.
Foxconn is also establishing a manufacturing and assembly facility for mechanical components used in electric vehicle applications, known as “Project Cheetah.” The company has leased private land in Bengaluru District for this project.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed, “It is a great honor to collaborate in deepening and strengthening the partnership between Foxconn and Karnataka, a relationship that holds tremendous potential for mutual growth and success. Karnataka has established itself as a leader in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector, contributing significantly to India’s electronics manufacturing output and exports.”
“Our state offers a competitive edge with efficient logistics, reliable power supply, a skilled workforce, and a robust vendor base to support dynamic industries like Foxconn’s. This initiative will create substantial employment opportunities, boosting both the local economy and empowering our workforce. We assure Foxconn of our full support and commitment to providing all the necessary assistance for the successful execution of Foxconn’s projects,” he added.
Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil remarked that Karnataka has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and the state’s partnership with Foxconn further solidifies this position. He emphasized that Foxconn’s Project Elephant represents a significant investment in the future of Karnataka and is of critical importance.
Patil assured that comprehensive support is being extended by all key departments within the state, with Foxconn receiving full backing from KIADB, KSPCB, Fire Services, and KPTCL, all of which are working together to ensure the smooth progress of the project. Patil also highlighted the government’s commitment to facilitating seamless coordination between government bodies to swiftly address any requirements, expressing optimism about working closely with Foxconn to make Project Elephant a resounding success and a model for future initiatives in Karnataka.
Foxconn CEO Young Liu commented, “We are thrilled about our expanding presence in Karnataka, a state that offers a robust ecosystem for innovation, manufacturing, and technological growth. The strategic partnership with the Government of Karnataka is crucial in advancing our projects, including the mobile phone assembly plant and the EV components facility. We appreciate the state’s proactive approach in supporting infrastructure, approvals, and utilities, which will ensure the successful implementation of our plans. We look forward to contributing to Karnataka’s economic development and creating thousands of new job opportunities for its people.”
The strategic collaboration between Foxconn and the Karnataka Government underscores the state’s reputation as a premier destination for global technology investments. This initiative is expected to deliver significant benefits, including enhanced economic growth and the creation of thousands of job opportunities, further solidifying Karnataka’s position as a leader in technological innovation.
Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., is a global leader in electronics manufacturing and technology solutions. Founded in 1974, the company is renowned for its expertise in producing consumer electronics, components, and semiconductors. Foxconn partners with major tech brands, including Apple, and plays a pivotal role in driving innovation across industries worldwide.
