Tamil Nadu to Manufacture Google Pixel Smartphones, Boosting Electronics Sector
Desk Report, May 24, 2024: In a significant boost to Tamil Nadu’s electronics manufacturing sector, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Friday that Google Pixel smartphones will soon be manufactured locally at a facility near Chennai. This development positions Tamil Nadu as a crucial player in the global electronics market, already hosting manufacturing units for Samsung and Apple smartphones.
The announcement follows a visit by State Industry Minister TRB Raja to Google’s US headquarters, where he was accompanied by Foxconn officials. The discussions culminated in Google’s commitment to establishing a Pixel smartphone manufacturing plant in collaboration with Foxconn, as confirmed by Chief Minister Stalin.
During a meeting with Google representatives in Chennai, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the substantial employment opportunities this new facility would create for Tamil Nadu’s IT-educated youth. This initiative is expected to further strengthen the region’s status as a high-tech manufacturing hub. Previously, Google had partnered with HP to produce Chromebooks at a Flex facility in Chennai, underscoring the growing trend of advanced technology manufacturing in the state.
At the ‘Google for India 2023’ event, Alphabet Inc. announced its plans to commence manufacturing of Pixel smartphones in India, with the Pixel 8 expected to be launched in 2024. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., highlighted Google’s commitment to India’s digital growth and the Make in India initiative during the event.
Chief Minister Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu’s ambition to evolve into an advanced manufacturing hub and achieve a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. The state has attracted investments totaling Rs 9.61 lakh crore through various international investment conferences, resulting in the creation of 30 lakh jobs.
India’s smartphone market is witnessing robust growth, with shipments reaching 34 million units in the first quarter of 2024, marking an 11.5% year-over-year increase, according to the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker by the International Data Corporation. Tamil Nadu, the largest exporter of electronic goods in India for the Financial Year 2023, accounted for 30% of the country’s electronic goods exports in Financial Year 2024.
This development not only signifies a major milestone for Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape but also aligns with India’s broader strategic goals of enhancing domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports in the electronics sector.
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