Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), a subsidiary of the Taiwanese giant Foxconn, is set to expand its workforce and production lines at its Hyderabad facility. This move focuses on scaling up AirPods production, aligning with the Cupertino-based company’s broader diversification strategy away from China. As reported by The Economic Times, the expansion underscores Apple’s deepening roots in the Indian market, where it has already achieved remarkable export milestones.
The FIT plant in Kongara Kalan, located just 15 kilometers from Hyderabad’s airport, kicked off commercial AirPods production in April this year. Now, the company plans to overhaul five existing production lines to accommodate newer models, including the AirPods 4 and the recently introduced AirPods Pro 3. Machinery is being relocated from FIT’s Vietnam facilities to support this.
By the end of the next six to eight months, the plant aims to reach a target capacity of 200,000 AirPods per month—nearly double its current output of over 100,000 units. This ramp-up is designed to meet rising international demand, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, while also serving India’s market. Currently employing around 2,000 personnel, the facility is projected to add 3,000 more jobs, bringing the total to 5,000 in the coming months.
Financially, the project represents a hefty Rs 4,800 crore investment, with over Rs 3,000 crore already committed. In July, production faced delays due to a shortage of dysprosium—a rare earth metal essential for components—triggered by China’s export restrictions. Fortunately, Beijing eased these curbs in August, allowing operations to rebound.
FIT, which specializes in wearables like AirPods alongside connectors and cables for various brands, has deep experience in Vietnam, where it has operated for over 16 years. Yet, the Hyderabad hub marks a fresh audio manufacturing epicenter for the company in India.
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