Tata iPhone Plant Fire: Anodising Plant Likely Source, Finds Probe

A probe by the Tamil Nadu government has reportedly found that a fire at the anodising plant was the ‘most probable cause’ behind the major fire at Tata Electronics’ iPhone manufacturing unit in Hosur last month.

The fire broke out in the anodising plant due to a failure in the thermostat control of one bath, Economic Times reported a source as saying.

The fire spread through the air duct and completely destroyed the anodising facility, as per the probe report which has been shared with the executives of Tata Electronics as well. However, a detailed investigation is still underway.

The report said that the findings of the probe will be submitted to the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) for review once the probe is completed.

“Right now, the structures are unstable, and Tata Electronics is conducting its own assessment for an insurance claim, so the government will have to wait before probing further,” another source was quoted as saying. 

It is pertinent to note that the fire disrupted operations at the iPhone plant. Following the mishap, Apple dispatched a supplier responsibility (SR) team to assess the situation and provide guidance to the contract manufacturer.

On October 3, Tata Electronics announced plans to partially resume operations at the facility. 

Over the last few years, India has emerged as an important manufacturing destination as Apple looks to diversify its production beyond China. The tech giant manufactures one in seven iPhones in India and aims to manufacture about 25% of its iPhones in the country over the next 3-4 years. 

As per reports, Apple will be manufacturing the entire range of its recently launched iPhone 16 in India.

It has also started procuring iPhone components from India, and many of Apple’s suppliers are setting up their base in the country.

Besides, India is also a big market for Apple. The company’s annual sales in the country touched the $8 Bn mark in FY24. Amid the growth in sales, the company is said to be preparing to open four new retail stores in India.