🔥 A significant fire broke out at the Tata Electronics plant in Tamil Nadu, southern India, early Saturday, leading to an indefinite suspension of iPhone component production. The blaze, which resulted in minor injuries to 10 employees, has raised concerns about Apple’s supply chain dynamics in the region.
According to M. Velu, a district fire officer, fire engines have been stationed at the plant to prevent further incidents as the authorities work to remove damaged sheds. \"We have not yet ascertained the cause of the fire,\" Velu told Reuters.
The Tata Electronics plant is a crucial supplier for Apple, producing essential back panels and other components for iPhones. This incident comes at a time when Apple is actively seeking to diversify its manufacturing base, with India being a key growth market.
While Apple has remained silent on the matter, Tata has confirmed that emergency protocols were effective in ensuring employee safety. However, the shutdown has cast uncertainty over the upcoming launch of another building in the same complex, slated to begin iPhone assembly before the year's end.
District Collector K. M. Sarayu shared images on X (formerly Twitter) showing the extent of the damage, including burnt ceilings and machinery covered in soot. Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, a senior Indian health official, described the plant as \"very badly burnt with absolutely no visibility inside,\" adding, \"The structure was falling; the roof was falling. No one could even go inside.\"
Tata Electronics, a part of the $165 billion Tata Group, plays a pivotal role in Apple’s manufacturing strategy in India. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing, with officials working to restore operations and mitigate any disruptions to the tech giant's supply chain.
