Cisco to make switching, routing platforms in Tamil Nadu

Global technology giant Cisco will start manufacturing networking gear in Tamil Nadu. This was announced by Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO, Cisco after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We are going to launch manufacturing here in India. And we're launching it as a global full manufacturing global node in our 17 country manufacturing footprint that we have around the world,” said Robbins.

Robbins expects over a billion dollars to come out of that factory in the first year relative to both domestic production and exports. This will be a global manufacturing node that exports to even Europe. “Today we are announcing strategic investments in Indian manufacturing capabilities as the next step in delivering cutting-edge technologies to our customers in India and across the globe,” said Robbins.

Prior to the announcement, Robbins met PM Narendra Modi and had a series of strategic engagements with Dr S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister; Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union minister of state for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog and K Rajaram, Telecom secretary.

The Tamil Nadu unit will produce two high volume product lines — switching platforms and routing platforms. Switching platforms are at the core of many data centres in the country and routing platforms sit at the core of some 5G network infrastructure.

"This investment will enable us to bring state-of-the-art technologies to more people and businesses and help accelerate India's transition into a leading digital economy," said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India and SAARC.

Cisco is now building core manufacturing capabilities in India, including testing, development and logistics and expanding in-house repair operations. In addition to supporting supply chain resiliency, reducing lead times and elevating customer experience, this will add further impetus to the domestic economy. India is a key market for Cisco and its second-largest R&D centre outside the U.S.