A significant fire incident at Tata Electronics' plant in Tamil Nadu has led to an indefinite suspension of iPhone component production. The blaze, which broke out early Saturday, resulted in minor injuries to 10 individuals and has raised concerns about the stability of Apple's supply chain in India.
Officials reported that emergency protocols were swiftly enacted to ensure employee safety, and fire engines were stationed at the site to prevent further damage. \"We have not yet ascertained the cause of the fire,\" stated M. Velu, a district fire officer.
Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple in India, specializes in producing critical back panels and other essential components for iPhones. The plant's shutdown comes at a crucial time as Apple aims to diversify its manufacturing base, viewing India as a pivotal growth market.
District Collector K. M. Sarayu shared images on social media depicting the extensive damage, including burnt ceilings and machinery covered in soot. A senior health official, Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, described the plant as \"very badly burnt\" with no visibility inside, highlighting the severity of the incident.
While Apple has yet to comment on the situation, the halt in production threatens to disrupt the anticipated expansion of iPhone assembly in the complex, with plans to begin operations in another building by year-end still uncertain.
Tata Electronics remains under investigation to determine the fire's cause, as the company and Apple navigate the challenges posed by this unexpected setback.
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Tata iPhone component plant halts production indefinitely after fire
cgtn.com
