VOIWORLD/Chennai: Corning Incorporated is sharpening its focus on India as the country emerges as one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone and electronics markets. The US-based glass major, through its joint venture Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies (BIG Tech) with Optiemus Infracom, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art mobile cover-glass manufacturing facility in Chennai—an investment of around ₹1,000 crore that marks a significant expansion of India’s electronics supply chain.
Andrew Beck, vice president and general manager of Corning Gorilla Glass, who is on his maiden visit to India, said global attention is firmly on India’s manufacturing potential. “India is now the second fastest-growing smartphone market in the world. Everyone’s watching what’s happening here, and the opportunity ahead is tremendous,” he said during interactions in Chennai.
Beck confirmed that Corning’s new glass finishing facility in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur region is on track to ramp up production in the first half of 2026. The unit—located in the SIPCOT Industrial Park—is expected to deliver 30 million pieces of cover glass in its first phase, serving leading global smartphone brands.
“Initially, our production will be focused on mobile phones to support the infrastructure already here in India,” Beck said, adding that the company aims to deepen its partnership with Optiemus and integrate further into India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Corning currently supplies cover glass to Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and several other OEMs.
Calling the factory a milestone in India’s advanced-manufacturing journey, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said the investment will create high-quality jobs and strengthen local supply chains. “This shows that world-class innovation can be designed and made in Tamil Nadu for India and the world,” he said at the inauguration.
Optiemus Infracom executive chairman Ashok Gupta said the joint venture reinforces India’s capability to produce globally competitive components. “Our partnership with Corning continues to reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality products to the market,” he said.
With major OEMs—from Apple to Xiaomi—expanding their India plans and the government pushing for deeper localisation in electronics, Corning sees India as a critical base for long-term growth. “There’s a lot of interest. We’re very excited,” Beck said, adding that the company is evaluating future expansion opportunities aligned with India’s booming consumer-electronics market.
