New Delhi:Corning Inc., the global leader in smartphone cover glass production, is poised to commence manufacturing operations within India’s borders by the close of 2024. This endeavor will transpire through a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom Ltd, a Noida-based contract manufacturing company, which will bear the name “Bharat Innovation Glass Technologies.”
In an exclusive statement, Mr. John Bayne, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Consumer Electronics at Corning Inc., articulated the profound significance of this development. He underscored that for the very first time, India will become a pivotal hub for the production of cover glass, serving both domestic and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) engaged in assembling their devices within India. The technology at hand is not only scalable but also primed for expansion, rendering robust support to meet the surging demand. This strategic move impeccably aligns with the vision of ‘Make in India’ fostered by the government.
Bayne elucidated that Corning’s strategic decision to establish manufacturing operations in India is intrinsically tied to their overarching objective of diversifying supply chains, thereby mitigating the reliance on China. The context of the ongoing pandemic, which rendered the global community acutely aware of the repercussions of overdependence on certain regions, was underscored by Bayne. This diversification scheme seeks to insulate operations from unforeseen circumstances such as the pandemic or natural disasters. Furthermore, it aims to safeguard against situations where a nation might halt its production activities.
As the joint venture unfolds, it aspires to produce a substantial 30 million units during its initial phase of manufacturing, heralding the prospect of gainful employment opportunities for a workforce ranging from 500 to 1000 personnel. Presently, the concerned parties are actively engaging with state governments, including those of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, to secure the requisite land for the manufacturing facility.
Renowned for its ‘Gorilla Glass,’ Corning disclosed that the joint venture is actively considering the pursuit of financial incentives applicable to the manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors.
With this collaboration, Optiemus Infracom is poised to embark upon diversification into the domain of glass cover manufacturing, marking its entry with a formidable 30% stake in the venture. Presently, the company is engaged in the fabrication of laptops, tablets, telecom equipment, including routers, as well as an array of hearables and wearables catering to various brands.
Cover glass, a pivotal component in mobile phone manufacturing, currently endures importation into India for eventual lamination with display panels. Corning’s decision to embark on local manufacturing is anticipated to stimulate an influx of companies to establish their operations within India. The venture’s aim is to render the component available at a comparable quality and price, while realizing cost efficiencies in logistics and shipping. Upon attaining a certain scale, Corning’s ambitions extend to introducing glass-sheet manufacturing and glass melting capacities within India, perpetuating its commitment to the nation’s manufacturing landscape.
This initiative heralds a significant stride towards fortifying India’s position on the global manufacturing map, while fostering resilience within the supply chain dynamics of high-tech industries.
