Samsung Begins Laptop Manufacturing in India Under ‘Make in India’ Push

Samsung, a key player in the Korean electronics industry, has now extended its “Make in India” campaign by producing laptops domestically in India, following the launch of smartphones.

Samsung’s Noida Facility: Expanding From Smartphones to Laptops

According to a Times Now article, the laptops are put together at Samsung’s Greater Noida factory, where the company also produces wearable technology, smartphones, tablets, and feature phones.

The article further reveals that Samsung’s first shipment of locally produced laptops has already reached the Indian market, and more production expansion is planned. Samsung is increasing its production capacity with the support of the “Make in India” campaign.

Meeting With IT Minister Signals Bigger Plans for India

The Korean electronics giant aims to begin producing additional products in India, as reported by PTI. This comes shortly after IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Samsung Southwest Asia President and Chief Executive JB Park and Samsung Southwest Asia Corporate Vice President SP Chun.

The PTI report also noted that the meeting indicated the company’s increased commitment to fortifying its relationship with India and supporting the government’s drive for domestic production.

India’s Growing Laptop Market and Samsung’s Opportunity

Brands like Dell, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo dominate the laptop market, whereas Samsung has not yet reached a wider audience of consumers. In September 2023, Samsung’s entry into the Indian laptop market began to generate excitement. According to reports, the company’s Noida facility would include a dedicated laptop unit that could produce between 60,000 and 70,000 units a year.

Government’s Push: Import Restrictions and PLI Incentives

With the goal of exporting entirely domestic cellphones and electrical gadgets, from semiconductors to completed goods, the “Make In India” campaign seeks to reduce India’s dependency on imports. Alongside this campaign, the government planned to impose import limits on laptops, tablets, and personal computers beginning in January of this year in an effort to pressure multinational giants like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo to increase their domestic manufacturing in the $8–10 billion sector.

Lenovo India MD Shailendra Katyal had stated that the company plans to treble local output to 12 million laptops and smartphones in FY25 from 6.4 million units in FY24, riding on the Centre’s “Make in India” push. In FY25, the business plans to treble local production from 6.4 million laptops and cellphones to 12 million units.

India’s Electronics Manufacturing Boom: Competitors & Investments

India’s Laptop Assembly Changes Gears Government initiatives, especially the production-linked incentive (PLI) programme, are encouraging several businesses to invest in new or expanded laptop manufacturing facilities in India.

For example, Dixon Technologies, based in Noida, signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government in April to invest INR 1,000 Cr in the construction of a laptop and personal computer manufacturing facility close to Chennai.

Tata Electronics was reportedly in discussions with companies like Microsoft, Dell, and HP, among others, to expand its capabilities and position itself as a fully integrated electronics producer, according to reports from last December.

Supported by EY’s forecast that the domestic electronics manufacturing services sector might grow into an $80 billion market by 2027, the consumer electronics sector in India has been gaining traction in the startup ecosystem.