Cisco has inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Chennai, marking a significant step in enhancing local production capabilities. The plant, launched in collaboration with Flex, aims to bolster Cisco’s presence in India while contributing to global manufacturing. The new facility is expected to create 1,200 jobs and drive over $1.3 billion annually in revenue through increased exports and domestic output.
Focus on Advanced Networking Technology
Initially, the Chennai plant will focus on manufacturing Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series routers. The company plans to expand production to include high-performance routing and switching products designed to meet the growing technological demands of organizations worldwide. The facility will also develop advanced printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies and industrial-grade products capable of operating in harsh environments.
Inauguration and Future Prospects
The inauguration was attended by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins, and Cisco India President Daisy Chittilapilly. Cisco emphasized the facility’s role in fostering innovation and advancing global telecom technology, reinforcing the company’s 25-year partnership with Flex. Despite the global economic slowdown, Cisco continues to expand its manufacturing footprint while managing costs, including recent layoffs of over 5,000 employees.
