Wistron Approves $20 Million Investment for New Factory Line in Karnataka

Wistron
Image Courtesy: Wistron

Apple supplier Wistron has sanctioned an initial $20 million investment through one of its subsidiaries to establish a new production line in Karnataka, paving the way for its upcoming laptop manufacturing facility in India. Regulatory filings reveal that Wistron’s board has approved the investment in ICT Service Management Solutions (India) via SMS InfoComm (Singapore), both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company. This is part of a larger $40 million investment plan to set up an after-sales service production line.

Industry insiders indicate that the new facility will focus on warranty repairs, inventory management, and logistics support for Wistron’s laptop manufacturing operations. ICT Service Management Solutions, known for its expertise in parts procurement and circuit board repairs, will also help source components from domestic and global suppliers.

In January, Wistron signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka government, committing ₹1,500 crore to establish a laptop manufacturing plant in the state. The facility is expected to export over 50% of its output. Construction began in mid-2023, with production slated to start by January 2026.

Wistron recently acquired a 32-acre land parcel in Karnataka’s Hi-Tech Defence & Aerospace Park for ₹160 crore. The new after-sales service production line will be situated near the upcoming laptop manufacturing facility.

In a related development, the Tata Group acquired Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India)’s Karnataka plant for $131 million in October 2023, making Tata Electronics the first Indian company to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets. After exiting the iPhone assembly business, Wistron continues its India operations through three subsidiaries: ICT Service Management Solutions, which handles import-export and maintenance; Smartiply India, focusing on IoT and internet platforms; and Wistron Automotive Electronics, specializing in automotive electronics manufacturing and R&D.

Wistron Corporation, a prominent Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, is a global leader in the design, production, and after-sales service of innovative ICT products. Renowned for its expertise in hardware integration and engineering, Wistron serves industries ranging from cloud computing and IoT to AI and smart devices.

In India, Wistron has made significant contributions as a key supplier for major tech companies, including Apple, by establishing advanced manufacturing facilities that align with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. By fostering local employment and supporting the growth of India’s electronics ecosystem, Wistron continues to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and operational excellence in the technology manufacturing sector.