Tamil Nadu authorities are reportedly set to begin a forensic investigation into a fire that broke out at Tata Electronics' factory in Hosur, which manufactures components for Apple’s iPhones. The fire, which started in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly originated in a chemical storage area. Fortunately, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported, according to officials.
The incident has, however, raised concerns about safety protocols in place at the facility, a key part of Apple’s expanding supply chain in India.
What Went Down
Firefighters from Hosur and surrounding districts were quickly deployed to the scene, with seven fire tenders working to bring the blaze under control. The fire broke out at around 6 am and took several hours to be fully extinguished.
According to K.M. Sarayu, a district administrative official, the fire has been "completely put out," and the fumes have stopped, making it safe for investigators to enter the site, reported Reuters. According to Sarayu, two workers who were hospitalised following the incident are expected to be discharged shortly.
The forensic team, dispatched from the state capital Chennai, is expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire.
Another Disruption For Apple
This marks another significant disruption for Apple’s supply chain in India, where the tech giant has been steadily increasing its manufacturing presence as part of a strategy to diversify its operations away from China.
Though Sunday is typically a holiday for the factory, two individuals with direct knowledge of the matter have indicated that the facility is unlikely to resume production by Monday without state clearance. Neither Tata Electronics nor Apple has responded to requests for comment outside of regular business hours. However, Tata Electronics previously issued a statement confirming that it is investigating the cause of the fire and ensuring the safety of its employees and other stakeholders.
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The plant, which is a greenfield venture of Tata Group, focuses on manufacturing precision components and is a vital part of Apple’s strategy in the country, where the company sees significant growth potential. A neighbouring building at the site is slated to begin assembling iPhones by the end of the year, though it remains unclear if this timeline will be affected by the fire.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, the focus remains on determining what caused the fire and ensuring that proper safety measures are in place to prevent future incidents. Tata Electronics has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its employees as investigations proceed.