ZETWERK joins hands with SMILE to set up IT hardware factory near Bengaluru

Contract manufacturing marketplace ZETWERK Manufacturing Businesses said on Monday that it had entered a strategic partnership with electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider SMILE Electronics to launch an IT hardware factory in Devanahalli near Bengaluru. Committed to investing Rs 1,000 crore to build electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) capabilities in India, ZETWERK said the facility "prioritises environmental responsibility through RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) compliance and offers conformal coating for enhanced product protection". 

The Devanahalli factory boasts of "fully-automated production lines equipped for assembling, testing, and packing of Desktops, Laptops, Energy meters and Remote Controls... Cutting-edge technology like automated screen-printing, placement and reflow machines ensure efficient production, with the ability to produce 0.75 million components per hour", it said.

"Having worked with SMILE for some time, I am confident in their ability to deliver high-quality global IT hardware products from India. I am excited about this strategic partnership between SMILE and ZETWERK, which promises to help them scale up and meet the rising demand in the IT hardware sector," said Harish Kohli, Managing Director of Acer India, who inaugurated the facility.

"This collaboration is further strengthened by Acer India's commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing and innovation. Together, these efforts will not only enhance product quality but also contribute significantly to India's economic growth and technological advancement," said Kohli.

"SMILE is committed to being the strategic partner of choice for major ODMs and OEMs... We provide a seamless experience, transforming concepts into reality with our one-stop solutions. Our 750 skilled employees across diverse industries manage a well-rounded portfolio, catering to both low-mix, high-volume and high-mix, low-volume production needs," said Mukesh Gupta, Chairman of SMILE Electronics.

"We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Smile, a move that aligns perfectly with the Government of India's vision for a robust and self-reliant electronics industry. By combining our strengths, we aim to accelerate the growth of the domestic electronics ecosystem, create significant employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to India's journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. This partnership is a testament to the conducive business environment fostered by the government's progressive policies and initiatives," said Rahul Sharma, Co-founder, ZETWERK.