Foxconn, Apple's largest contract manufacturer, has rapidly hired nearly 30,000 workers for its new iPhone assembly unit in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, India. This swift recruitment drive, completed within eight to nine months, marks one of the fastest factory scale-ups recorded in India^[1][2]. The facility stands out with a predominantly female workforce, comprising approximately 80% of its current employees^[1][3][4]. This significant expansion underlines Apple's ongoing strategy to diversify its global manufacturing supply chain, increasingly relying on India as a key production hub^[1][3]. ### India's Rapid Manufacturing Growth The 300-acre Foxconn campus in Devanahalli began trial production earlier this year, starting with iPhone 16 models around April and May^[3][2]. The factory has quickly advanced its operations and is now assembling the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max devices^[3][4][2]. This rapid progression in production capability highlights the plant's efficiency and the growing sophistication of India's electronics manufacturing sector^[3][4]. A substantial portion of the factory's output, more than 80%, is designated for export, further cementing India's role in Apple's worldwide distribution^[1][3][4]. The hiring surge is a direct reflection of Apple's accelerating efforts to shift its manufacturing footprint away from China^[1][3]. India's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2021, has significantly aided this transition, offering incentives for local manufacturing^[5][4]. This government initiative has made India a more attractive destination for global electronics giants like Foxconn^[5][4]. The Bengaluru plant is poised to become India's largest factory by both employment and production capacity once it reaches full operational scale^[5][6][7]. This will notably surpass Foxconn's existing iPhone manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, which currently employs around 41,000 workers^[5][6]. ### A Workforce Primarily of Young Women The Devanahalli facility is distinguished by its predominantly female workforce, with women making up about 80% of the 30,000 employees^[1][3][4]. Most of these workers are young, aged between 19 and 24 years, and many are entering the formal job market for the very first time^[1][3][4]. This focus on a women-led workforce is a significant aspect of the factory's operational model^[1][3]. To support this large influx of workers, Foxconn has constructed six sizable dormitories on the campus^[1][3]. Several of these residential facilities are already operational, providing accommodation for the female employees^[1][3]. The company is actively continuing construction on additional housing to meet the needs of its expanding workforce^[3]. These efforts are crucial for accommodating employees, many of whom are migrant women from neighboring Indian states^[1][4]. ### Comprehensive Worker Facilities and Compensation Beyond housing, Foxconn is developing the 300-acre campus into a comprehensive, self-contained township^[1][5][7]. This ambitious plan includes a range of amenities such as residential blocks, healthcare services, educational facilities, and entertainment options within the factory premises^[1][5][7]. This integrated approach aims to provide a holistic living and working environment for the thousands of employees^[1][5]. Workers at the Devanahalli plant receive free accommodation and subsidized meals, which are significant benefits^[1][5]. The average monthly salary for these workers is approximately ₹18,000. ^[1][5][4]This wage is considered among the highest for women in blue-collar manufacturing roles across India, making these positions particularly attractive. ^[1][5][4]New hires undergo a structured six weeks of on-the-job training before being fully integrated into the iPhone production lines. ^[8][9]This training ensures they develop the necessary skills for precision assembly. ^[8][9] ### Future Expansion and Global Impact Foxconn projects that the Devanahalli unit could eventually employ up to 50,000 people at its peak capacity, expected next year. ^[1][3][4]With further planned expansion, the facility is anticipated to house more women workers in a single location than any other public or private organization in India. ^[1][3]The factory is also expected to eventually operate up to a dozen iPhone assembly lines, a significant increase from the current approximately four lines. ^[5][6] This massive investment and rapid scale-up by Foxconn, with an estimated ₹20,000 crore dedicated to the Bengaluru venture, underscores the strategic importance of India in the global technology landscape. Th^[1][5]e establishment of this women-led factory, capable of producing and exporting advanced iPhone models, reinforces India's position as a critical node in Apple's diversified supply chain. It^[1][3] also represents a notable step in creating large-scale employment opportunities, particularly for women, in the country's manufacturing sector. T^[1][3]he swift development of Foxconn's Bengaluru plant highlights India's growing capability in high-tech manufacturing and its increasing appeal for major global companies seeking to expand their production capabilities.

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