Tata has been trying to take over Taiwan’s Apple manufacturer Winstron for some time now and the mega-conglomerate will finally be able to manufacture iPhones in India if the deal closes. Tata is also taking over Winstron’s 2.2 million-square-foot factory, 50 kilometres away from Bangalore which includes 10,000 workers including engineers.
According to a report by the Economic Times, sources aware of the deal leaked the news to Economic Times but asked to keep their names confidential as the deal is not public yet. However, Winstron is not entirely leaving manufacturing behind. The company will continue as a service partner to Apple in India but Tata will hold the majority stake if this deal closes as per the terms of both companies. On the other hand, the other two Apple manufacturers in India, Foxconn and Pegatron Corp are also expanding their business.
If it all goes according to plan then the deal should be closed in March. Tata will take over Winstrons position, which gives it government incentives as well. The next cycle of incentives will begin on April 1st which is the start of India's financial year, said a person familiar with the deal. Although, the deal between Tata and Winstron is not announced officially. By all accounts, the deal will be a game changer for Apple due to the problems going on with the manufacturing of products in China amid COVID tensions.
Tata is also planning to open 100 Apple stores all over the country with the first one opening in Mumbai.