Foxconn is “gradually” resuming production of the Apple iPhone at the world’s largest plant of its kind. However, anonymous employees note that the subcontractor will not be back at full capacity until Christmas.
Foxconn, one of Apple’s largest subcontractors, has announced that it is “gradually” restoring production capacity at its largest iPhone factory in China. The plant has previously struggled with lengthy shutdowns caused by severe pandemic restrictions and violently suppressed employee protests.
Foxconn factories return to Apple iPhone production
The epidemic situation at the Foxconn complex, commonly known as iPhone City, has been brought under control and the plant will gradually return to full capacity, the company said on Monday. As added, the producer also began to look for new employees to get back in shape even faster.
However, anonymous Reuters sources present the situation somewhat differently. Informants say that the factory will be fully operational “in three to four weeks,” that is, at the turn of December and January.
This would mean the plant would not be operating at full capacity until Apple’s critical pre-holiday period. According to analysts, the American concern lacks from 10 to 15 million smartphones to meet the demand for Christmas gifts.
Will there be people willing to work at Foxconn?
The source claims that the company is “in full swing recruiting”, but at the same time admits that employees “may have some concerns” holding them back from hiring.
Employees have been in isolation since October due to cases of COVID-19. They did not have the opportunity to return home after work or spend time with their families. There have also been cases of escape from the quarantine complex, and food shortages have been reported.
Last month, workers’ protests erupted in iPhone City and were sometimes violently suppressed. Today, many people may fear being separated from their families again during Christmas and the Chinese (Lunar) New Year, which is extremely important in Asia.
Experts estimate that Foxconn is responsible for about 70 percent. full assembly of iPhones. The company’s Zhengzhou plant is responsible for the production of most premium models, including the iPhone 14 Pro. The full crew of the iPhone City complex consists of hundreds of thousands of people.
Source: Wprost
