Huawei to Start Manufacturing Smartphones in India from October

Huwaei, world's third largest smartphone maker today announced its plans to manufacture smartphones in India in collaboration with leading Sketch-to-Scale solutions provider, Flex, in October. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon'ble Union Minister, Information & Technology, Law and Justice made the announcement at Huawei's 'Make in India' inauguration ceremony in the Indian capital, New Delhi.

Starting from first week of October 2016, the Flex manufacturing plant in Chennai will manufacture one of the Honor smartphones models, possibly the Honor 5A. The affordable smartphone was first launched in China in May 2016.

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Flex's Chennai facility will have the capacity to make three million units by the end of 2017. The new manufacturing unit is expected to generate 1500 jobs in India.

In addition, Huawei will be strengthening its after sales services in India with over 200 service centers, including more than 30 exclusive Huawei service centers in India. It is worth mentioning that Flex will also take care of after sales service for Huawei across the country.

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Huawei Consumer Business Group also aims to expand its distribution network by partnering with more than 50,000 retail outlets by the end of 2016. This retail network will add to the existing 350+ distributors in India to create a comprehensive, nationwide distribution system.

Announcing the manufacturing facility from Delhi, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Honb'le Union Minister, Information & Technology, Law and Justice said, "I would like to congratulate Huawei on their commitment to pursue their 'Make in India' vision. The Government of India is pleased to see so much enthusiasm for our "Make in India" initiative. We are working towards making India an electronic manufacturing hub. As India is set to become the second largest smartphone market, our government would like to invite even more businesses to come and manufacture in India. This is an opportune time to start manufacturing from India. The smartphone landscape in India is growing every day and such initiatives by technology leaders will help accelerate the growth of local manufacturing industry in India".

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Mr. Jay Chen, CEO, Huawei India was also present at the event and talked about the company's commitment to produce quality products for the Indian market. He said "We have been present in India for the last 16 years and as part of our India focus, we have been consistently expanding our footprint in the market. We recently launched our world class GSC in Bengaluru and the start of manufacturing in India is an affirmation of our commitment to India and supports the Make in India campaign."

Adding further to the development, Mr. Peter Zhai, President, Huawei India Consumer Business Group stated, "We have seen significant acceptance of our smartphones in India over the last few years and have big plans for India. We have been evaluating a manufacturing unit for a long time and have partnered with Flex given their legacy, expertise and knowledge in providing sketch to scale solutions to leading companies globally."

Mr. Jeff Reece, Head of Flex Telecom segment highlighted Flex's 16 years of presence in the Indian market. He said, "We are thrilled to expand our global partnership with Huawei. Our alliance with Huawei in India is a testament of our commitment towards boosting local manufacturing. It also further demonstrates our commitment to bring innovative supply chain solutions, high-quality advanced manufacturing and after-market services to Huawei and ultimately the consumers."

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As noted, India is a very important market for Huawei and the company has renewed its focus on India working with two brands, Huawei for the high-end smartphones and Honor, to cater to the widest cross section of consumers. The company has recently launched its flagship smartphone- Huawei P9. The latest manufacturing initiative is part of company's commitment to the Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative. Huawei's 'Made In India' devices are expected to hit Indian market as early as October, 2016.