In the year-end message to Tata Group employees, chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasized the transformative impact of manufacturing on India's economy, buoyed by global supply chain shifts favoring the country.
According to the Financial Express and the Economic Times, Chandrasekaran noted that businesses now prioritize resilience over efficiency, marking a significant realignment catalyzed by the pandemic. This shift positions India advantageously with its vast talent pool and expanding manufacturing capabilities.
Chandrasekaran reaffirmed Tata Group's ambitious plans to create 500,000 manufacturing jobs over the next five years. These efforts include investments in cutting-edge facilities like India's first semiconductor fabrication unit in Gujarat, various OSAT plants, and battery cell factories, with substantial developments underway in several states and abroad, such as the UK.
Additionally, Chandrasekaran reflected on the passing of Ratan Tata in 2024, a pivotal figure whose leadership and vision significantly influenced the group's strategic direction. His foresight paved the way for bold initiatives in high-tech industries and manufacturing.
Chandrasekaran highlighted notable progress in 2024, including constructing several new manufacturing sites across India, including semiconductor facilities, electronics assembly plants, and automotive manufacturing units. The multiplier effect of these ventures is expected to generate direct employment and substantial indirect job opportunities, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. Chandrasekaran accentuated AI's forthcoming transformative role, notably in healthcare and mobility, underscoring its potential to deliver wide-ranging benefits to humanity.
Tata Group is positioning itself as a key player in India's growing electronics manufacturing and semiconductor sectors. Tata Electronics has become a noteworthy supplier to Apple. Despite a setback from a fire at its Tamil Nadu plant, the company is expanding its production by acquiring significant manufacturing assets, such as those from Wistron and potentially Pegatron, to enhance its role in Apple's supply chain.
Meanwhile, Tata Electronics is reportedly leveraging its partnership with Apple to negotiate deals with tech giants like Microsoft, Dell, and HP.
In the semiconductor sphere, Tata Electronics is advancing India's capabilities by establishing the first commercial wafer fabrication facility in years, located in Dholera, Gujarat, and aiming for production by 2026. This initiative is supported by collaborations with industry players like PSMC and Tokyo Electron to secure essential knowledge and tools. Additionally, partnerships with ASMPT Singapore are enhancing India's ATMP capabilities with new facilities in Karnataka and Assam.