Cisco has opened its first manufacturing facility in India, located in Chennai, as part of its broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capabilities in the country. The facility is expected to generate over $1.3 billion annually through a combination of exports and domestic production and create 1,200 jobs in Tamil Nadu, said a statement.
The Chennai facility, built in partnership with Flex, will initially focus on producing Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series routers. This marks the first phase of a multiyear investment aimed at supporting Cisco’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations. Cisco and Flex have collaborated over the past 25 years to ramp up manufacturing worldwide.
At the inauguration event, attended by government officials and Cisco leadership, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, stated that the new facility aligns with India’s broader goal of enhancing self-reliance in technology manufacturing.
“The inauguration of Cisco’s manufacturing facility in India producing advanced telecom equipment is a testament to the country’s growing Atmanirbharta in the global technology landscape,” he said. He added that the facility would support the government’s vision of transforming India into a global manufacturing hub.
Emphasising the importance of the facility to the state’s industrial growth and how the new facility aligns with the state government ongoing efforts to boost advanced manufacturing, Dr. T.R.B Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, said: “Under the leadership of Honourable Chief Minister Thiru. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu continues to attract world-class investments, reinforcing our position in the global supply chain, especially in electronics manufacturing.”
“The inauguration of a manufacturing facility in Chennai marks a significant advancement in our commitment to the region. This expansion not only deepens our presence in India but also strengthens our partnerships with customers, partners, and the government,” Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said. He noted that Cisco aims to enhance supply chain reliability and foster innovation through the new facility.
Underscoring the facility’s role in boosting Cisco’s capabilities in India, Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India & SAARC, said, “This new facility strengthens our capabilities in the country to produce state-of-the-art technologies, contributing to our nation’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.”
In the next phase of its investment, Cisco said it plans to expand its production capabilities to include advanced products such as printed circuit boards with multiple layers and industrial-grade components that can endure severe environmental conditions. This development is expected to broaden Cisco’s technical manufacturing capabilities, allowing it to serve additional customers and market segments.
Cisco said its investment in the Chennai facility is part of a broader strategy to support India’s growing digital economy by providing advanced telecommunications equipment to meet both local and global demand. The new facility is also expected to play a key role in diversifying Cisco’s supply chain and improving its resilience.
