In a major setback for Apple’s iPhone supply chain, a significant fire broke out at a key Tata Electronics plant in southern India. The facility, which plays a crucial role in manufacturing iPhone components, suffered damage due to the blaze.
iPhone Component Plant Fire: Incident Details and Impact on Production
Last Saturday, September 28, 2024, Tata iPhone Component Plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India caught fire. Tata Electronics is one of the major contract manufacturers of iPhones in India, alongside Foxconn.
The fire originated in an area used to store chemicals within the plant. However, the exact cause is still under investigation. It led to the collapse of a building within the Tata complex. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
The affected building was responsible for producing specific iPhone components. Additionally, another building nearby was slated to begin smartphone manufacturing by year-end, but it remains unclear whether it was also impacted.
Apple’s iPhone Component Plant: Employee Safety and Containment Efforts
A total of 523 workers were on shift when the fire broke out. Thankfully, all employees were promptly evacuated and accounted for.
Ten individuals received medical treatment due to smoke inhalation, with two of them being hospitalized. The safety protocols in place at the plant ensured the well-being of all employees.
Firefighters worked diligently to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading beyond the initial building.
The fire involved hazardous chemicals, which complicated the situation. As a result, the search and rescue team needed time to assess the damage fully.
Production Suspension and Apple’s Supply Chain Concerns
Production at the plant was immediately suspended following the incident. Employees were sent home for the day. Authorities have not yet determined when manufacturing can resume.
The extent of damage will dictate the timeline for recovery.
Apple has been actively diversifying its supply chain away from China, with India emerging as a key growth market. This fire is part of a series of incidents affecting Apple suppliers in India over the past few years.
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