"Cisco and Flex Launch State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility Near Chennai"

Cisco, the $54 billion US-based networking and security solutions leader, in collaboration with Flex, has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility at Sunkuwarchatiram, roughly 50 km west of Chennai. This marks the first phase of a multi-year investment aimed at generating over $1.3 billion annually in exports and domestic production.

The facility, which is expected to create 1,200 jobs, will initially focus on manufacturing Cisco's Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series routers. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins, and Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa.

This launch is the latest milestone in Cisco and Flex's 25-year partnership, aiming to enhance global manufacturing capabilities with a focus on speed, resilience, and sustainability. Future developments at the facility will include the production of advanced components like multi-layer printed circuit boards, with products designed to endure harsh environmental conditions. Cisco’s expanded manufacturing capabilities will serve a broader range of customers and markets.

Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco, expressed his excitement about the venture, saying, “We are thrilled to be part of India’s growth as both a local market and an export hub. This facility is just the beginning of an incredible future for Cisco in India.”

Minister Scindia urged Cisco to deepen its commitment to India, proposing that Cisco’s ecosystem be established exclusively in the US and India. He invited the company to collaborate with the government in developing a Telecom Manufacturing Zone as a plug-and-play system for future innovations.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa emphasized the state’s role as a manufacturing and tech innovation hub, noting that Cisco's move from service to product development is a significant step for the country’s industry growth.

HBL