Ericsson outlined a plan to produce all of its passive antennas for the Indian market locally, a move positioned as boosting its ability to serve customers in the country and further diversifying its global manufacturing footprint.
In a statement, Ericsson Antenna System said production of the kit would be achieved with partner VVDN Technologies. Manufacturing of the product for use in India is expected to be completely switched to the country by June.
The company added the move would support ongoing Indian 5G rollouts alongside bolstering its “ability to respond with greater agility to evolving market needs” regionally and globally.
Head of the antenna division Mikael Eriksson highlighted “expanding in India strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge technology at speed, closer to where our customers are building next-generation networks”.
Ericsson India MD Nitin Bansal added localised production would ensure “faster deployment, increased responsiveness and stronger protection for its customers against environmental or external disruptions”.
Alongside aiding local operators, the company plans to export a significant proportion of the units made in India and elevate the country as one of its strategic manufacturing hubs within its broader supply chain.
Having a “resilient” and diverse manufacturing base was cited by Ericsson’s CEO Borje Ekholm last week as aiding its response to volatile global market conditions.
Among its other production facilities are sites in Mexico, Romania, China and the US. It began using India as a manufacturing location in 1994.