In a strategic move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities in India, Jabil, a key supplier for Apple’s AirPods, is reportedly planning to establish a second production facility in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli region. This expansion aims to significantly increase the production of AirPods enclosures, also referred to as plastic bodies or casings.
Jabil has been a longstanding manufacturer of AirPods charging cases. The proposed facility in Tiruchirappalli, commonly known as Trichy, is expected to focus on producing components for these cases rather than assembling complete units. While Jabil has not officially confirmed these plans, sources familiar with the matter indicate that company executives met with Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, in April 2025 to discuss the project. Following this meeting, the executives visited the proposed site in Trichy.
A source close to the development stated, Jabil is considering Trichy as an AirPods production option. They are expected to get back to the state government on their final plan by the end of June or July.
This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing operations beyond China. The company has been progressively increasing its production footprint in India, with Foxconn, another major supplier, already manufacturing AirPods in the country. Additionally, Foxconn is planning to expand its iPhone production facilities in India, further solidifying the nation’s role in Apple’s global supply chain.
The move to establish a second plant in Tamil Nadu underscores the region’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub for Apple’s products. Tamil Nadu has been actively promoting itself as an attractive destination for electronics manufacturing, offering incentives and infrastructure support to companies like Jabil and Foxconn.
However, transitioning manufacturing operations from China to India presents several challenges. Industry officials acknowledge that the process is difficult and expensive, compounded by political tensions between the two countries. Following border clashes in 2020, India imposed restrictions on Chinese investments and banned several Chinese apps, adding complexity to the shift.
Despite these hurdles, India’s government has been working to create a more favorable environment for foreign manufacturers. Efforts include easing visa restrictions for Chinese and Taiwanese engineers essential for setting up specialized machinery and addressing societal barriers to female employment in manufacturing roles.
Tamil Nadu, in particular, has implemented policies to support female workers, such as dedicated transportation schemes to ensure safe commuting. These initiatives have contributed to the state accounting for approximately 42% of all factory jobs held by women in India, a significant factor for companies like Jabil that rely on a diverse workforce.
The establishment of a second manufacturing facility by Jabil in Tamil Nadu is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating job opportunities and contributing to the region’s industrial growth. It also reflects the broader trend of global companies seeking to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependence on a single country for manufacturing.
As Jabil finalizes its plans, the coming months will be crucial in determining the timeline and scale of the new facility’s operations. The collaboration between Jabil and the Tamil Nadu government exemplifies the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships between multinational corporations and regional authorities in India’s evolving manufacturing landscape.
