Foxconn Completes $230 Million Housing Project for Workers in Tamil Nadu, Enhancing Welfare and Production Capacity

Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant and a crucial supplier to Apple, has successfully completed a $230 million (INR 1,965.4 crore) housing project aimed at improving the living conditions of its workers in Tamil Nadu. Located within Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur campus near Chennai, the new housing facility is designed to support the company’s growing workforce, especially its large female employee base.

Modern Housing for Workers

Spanning 20 acres, the newly built residential project includes six housing blocks, each with 10 floors, alongside two additional utility blocks. With a total capacity of 18,000 beds, the facility offers modern dormitory-style living spaces equipped with recreational amenities to enhance the workers’ quality of life.

Notably, the housing complex features facilities for cricket, badminton, basketball, and volleyball, providing workers with opportunities to unwind and stay active. The campus also houses a subsidized canteen and a small grocery store to cater to daily needs, ensuring that the workers have everything they need within walking distance of their workplace.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of this development is its proximity to Foxconn’s manufacturing facility. The dormitories are located within the same campus, meaning that many workers—especially women—no longer have to commute long distances. They can simply walk to their dorms from the production floor,” said sources familiar with the project.

Part of Foxconn’s Expansion Strategy

This housing initiative is a part of Foxconn’s broader strategy to expand its presence in India. In recent years, the company has shifted a significant portion of its iPhone manufacturing operations from China to India. The move follows supply chain disruptions at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility, previously the world’s largest iPhone factory.

As part of its long-term plans, Foxconn has been in discussions with the Tamil Nadu government to explore investment opportunities, which include establishing worker housing and further expanding production capabilities. In October 2022, Foxconn executives met with local officials to finalize investment strategies, marking the beginning of these crucial developments in the region.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity

The housing project also comes amid changes in Foxconn’s hiring practices in India. After facing allegations of gender bias and excluding married women from job opportunities at its Sriperumbudur facility, Foxconn revised its recruitment policies. The company removed age, gender, marital status, and previous company name from job advertisements for iPhone assembly positions, ensuring a more inclusive hiring process.

These changes are part of Foxconn’s ongoing commitment to diversity and fairness in its workforce. By addressing these concerns, the company aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Boosting India’s Role in Global iPhone Production

India has rapidly become a significant hub for Apple’s iPhone production, with Foxconn playing a key role in this shift. As of FY24, India accounts for 12-14% of global iPhone production, and by FY27, it is projected that India will assemble 32% of global iPhone volumes and 26% of the iPhone’s global value.

This strategic move aligns with India’s growing role in the global electronics manufacturing ecosystem and helps reduce reliance on China for iPhone assembly. Foxconn’s decision to manufacture the iPhone 16 Pro series at its Tamil Nadu facility further strengthens this trend, demonstrating the company’s commitment to scaling operations in India.

The completion of the housing project signifies Foxconn’s continued dedication to worker welfare and operational expansion in India, while also highlighting the country’s growing importance as a global electronics manufacturing hub.

Foxconn’s First Major Worker Housing Investment in India

This housing facility marks Foxconn’s first significant investment in providing dormitory-style accommodations for its workers in India. It underscores the company’s commitment to improving the well-being of its workforce while supporting the scaling of its production capacity in the country. This move sets the stage for future investments in worker infrastructure as Foxconn strengthens its foothold in the Indian market.

With these efforts, Foxconn is not only enhancing worker welfare but also positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse in the tech sector.