NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inaugurated India’s first Tempered Glass Manufacturing Facility for Mobile Devices in Noida, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards self-reliance in electronics manufacturing.
The facility has been set up by Optiemus Electronics in collaboration with US-based Corning Incorporated, and will produce high-quality tempered glass under the globally recognised brand “Engineered by Corning”. The products will cater to both domestic and international markets.
“India Will Make Every Component of Mobile Phones”
Speaking at the launch, Vaishnaw said the new facility represents a major step forward for Make in India.
“Step by step, India will manufacture each and every component used in mobile phones, including chips, cover glasses, and server components,” he said, adding that the first Made in India semiconductor chip will roll out soon.
Electronics Growth Story
Highlighting India’s rapid progress, the Minister noted that in the last 11 years, the country’s electronics manufacturing has grown six times, reaching a production value of ₹11.5 lakh crore. Exports now exceed ₹3 lakh crore, generating direct and indirect employment for 2.5 million people.
Vaishnaw underlined India’s strength in design and innovation, citing the example of an IIT Madras-incubated startup that has designed the country’s first microcontroller, which will soon be deployed in Indian products. He also pointed out that Indian railway manufacturers are already exporting equipment meeting the highest global standards.
India’s Stable & Vibrant Economy
The Minister further highlighted that India’s 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 of FY 2025-26 demonstrates a stable, vibrant, and innovation-driven economy. He called upon the youth to contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Industry Leaders Hail Landmark Moment
Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom Limited, called the launch a “landmark moment” for Indian manufacturing.
“Despite being one of the world’s largest mobile phone markets, India has relied on imports for tempered glass. With this initiative, our aspiration is that every Indian mobile user must use a Made in India tempered glass,” he said.
Pankaj Mahindroo, Chairman of India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), said the segment’s labour-intensive nature provides India with an immense opportunity.
“This initiative will not only meet India’s huge domestic demand but also make the country a global hub for electronics accessories manufacturing,” he added.
Market Potential
-
India’s domestic demand for tempered glass is estimated at 500 million pieces annually, with a retail value of ₹20,000 crore.
-
The global market is valued at USD 60 billion, offering significant export potential for Indian manufacturers.
About the Noida Facility
-
Phase 1 Investment: ₹70 crore, capacity of 25 million units per annum, direct employment for 600 people.
-
Phase 2 Expansion: Additional investment of ₹800 crore, capacity scaled up to 200 million units per annum, generating over 4,500 jobs.
The plant will feature comprehensive manufacturing processes including scribing, shaping, polishing, chemical tempering, coating, printing, and lamination — with stringent quality inspections to meet international standards.
