US tech giant Google plans to manufacture its Pixel smartphones at Foxconn’s unit in Tamil Nadu, potentially investing billions of dollars in the southern Indian state. Google officials are expected to visit Chennai soon to discuss the initiative with government representatives, according to sources.
This significant investment will further establish Tamil Nadu as a leading state in electronics manufacturing. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Tamil Nadu recorded an impressive $9.56 billion in electronics exports, marking a 78 percent increase from the previous year. The state is already a hub for the production of Apple and Samsung smartphones, with major manufacturers like Foxconn and Pegatron operating there. Tata’s manufacturing unit is also set to start operations in Hosur soon.
The manufacturing of Google Pixel smartphones in Tamil Nadu is expected to attract substantial investment and create numerous job opportunities, particularly for young people. Pixel phones, which first launched in 2016, have been manufactured in various parts of Asia, including China and Vietnam. Google is now considering India as a new production base.
Last year, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, along with Foxconn officials, traveled to the US to meet with senior Google executives about establishing a factory in the state. Foxconn already manufactures phones for Google.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President for Platforms & Devices, hinted at the "Make in India" initiative for Pixel in 2024 during an announcement on October 19, 2023. The latest model, Pixel 8a, features Google’s Tensor G3 chip and includes AI capabilities like Gemini, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser, with a starting price of ₹52,999.
Since their debut, Google Pixel shipments have steadily increased. By 2023, the company had shipped nearly 38 million units. The smartphone market is highly competitive, with Apple and Samsung leading the industry. In 2023, Apple surpassed Samsung in global unit shipments for the first time, shipping around 235 million smartphones.
Google’s significant investment in Tamil Nadu for Pixel production could bolster its position in the competitive smartphone market, leveraging the state’s growing electronics manufacturing sector.
