Apple in discussion with Bharat Forge to Join Supply Chain

Apple is in discussions with Bharat Forge, a member of the Kalyani Group, to incorporate the Indian manufacturer into its supply chain, as per sources. Once the agreement is concluded, Bharat Forge will provide components, such as mechanical parts, to the technology giant based in the US.

This advancement would position Bharat Forge as the newest Indian firm to collaborate with Apple, alongside the Tata Group, Motherson Group, and Aequs. The report cited a source indicating that Apple is considering partnerships with several major Indian companies and has begun discussions with Bharat Forge, headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra. In recent years, Apple has been working to broaden its supplier network in India to boost local value creation as part of its plan to lessen dependence on China.

Apple's supplier network in India consists of three iPhone assembly factories, with Foxconn running the biggest plant in Tamil Nadu. The Tata Group operates two more units in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Additional major suppliers in India consist of Sunwoda, which supplies battery packs, Foxlink for cables, and Aequs for enclosures. Salcomp, one of the first suppliers for Apple in India, has broadened its range to encompass magnetics in addition to coils and power packs. Furthermore, Amperex Technology Ltd (ATL), a key supplier for Apple, is getting ready to produce battery cells at a 180-acre plant in Manesar, Haryana.

Bharat Forge, a leading manufacturing firm in India, has a workforce of around 5,000 individuals. The organization functions in various sectors including automotive, energy, aerospace, and defense. Under the leadership of 76-year-old Baba Kalyani, Bharat Forge possesses many subsidiaries and a wide-ranging international presence.