Fire forces temporary closure of iPhone components factory

Authorities in Tamil Nadu are investigating the blaze at the former Pegatron factory, now owned by Tata Electronics. The fire began in an area used to store chemicals, according to company officials.

While the fire has been “completely put out,” according to district administrative official K.M. Sarayu, two workers were hospitalized during the incident due to fumes. Those workers have since been released.

Authorities say it is “unlikely” that the plant will reopen before the end of the month. Tata officials say they are investigating the cause of the fire, and will take steps to safeguard employees.

A forensics team from the state capital of Chennai will also conduct an investigation. Apple has increasingly relied on India to help manufacture the iPhone, as well as suppliers in Vietnam and Brazil.

A similar fire occurred in a Foxlink factory in Andhra Pradesh that made iPhone cables in February of 2023. While there were no casualties in that incident, it caused a building to partially collapse, costing the parts supplier $12 million in damages.

Reuters has reported that it isn’t yet clear if the fire damaged any surrounding buildings in the Tata complex. One of the other buildings is said to start iPhone assembly duties by the end of 2024.