May 7, 2025 – Apple’s key supply chain partner Jabil is gearing up to establish its second manufacturing facility in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, to ramp up production capacity for AirPods casing components, according to industry sources cited by DigiTimes. The move follows the company’s existing operations in Pune, where it currently manufactures components that are later shipped to assembly hubs in mainland China and Vietnam.
The expansion strategy, industry analysts suggest, aims to streamline component production efficiency while mitigating potential tariff-related expenses. Jabil executives recently held discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to finalize the factory’s location, with plans to submit a detailed construction proposal to local authorities by late June or early July and commence operations shortly thereafter.
This development aligns with a broader trend among Apple suppliers accelerating their India-based manufacturing investments. Notably, Tata Electronics and a Foxconn subsidiary inaugurated new production facilities in late April, focusing on iPhone assembly. These initiatives underscore India’s growing significance as a strategic manufacturing destination for global tech giants seeking to diversify supply chains and tap into local market potential.
