Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and IT, Government of India, inaugurated India’s very first tempered glass manufacturing unit for mobile devices in Noida. The state-of-the-art facility, established by Optiemus Electronics in partnership with US-based Corning Incorporated, will roll out premium tempered glass products under the globally trusted brand “Engineered by Corning”. These products will serve both domestic and international markets.

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A Boost for Make in India

Speaking at the launch, Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of tempered glass as an essential accessory for smartphones. He noted that its indigenous production marks a breakthrough for the Make in India vision and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadmap for self-reliance. He further underlined that India is steadily moving toward manufacturing every single component of mobile phones—including chips, cover glasses, and even laptop and server parts—cementing the nation’s place as a global hub for electronics manufacturing. The minister also revealed that India is on track to roll out its very own chip soon, a move that will further strengthen its electronics ecosystem.

Electronics Industry Growth Story

The minister pointed out that over the past 11 years, India’s electronics industry has expanded sixfold. The sector today boasts a production value of ₹11.5 lakh crore, exports exceeding ₹3 lakh crore, and job opportunities for 2.5 million people directly and indirectly. He emphasised that India’s electronics ecosystem is adding value step by step, and its growth trajectory reflects a strong push towards innovation and scale.

Innovation and R&D: India’s Strength

Vaishnaw emphasised India’s design capabilities, calling them the country’s biggest strength. He cited the example of a microcontroller designed by an IIT Madras-incubated startup, which will soon power Indian-made products. He also drew attention to the global recognition India is earning in other sectors, noting that Indian railway equipment of world-class quality is already being exported to Europe.

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Economy & Future Vision

Highlighting India’s economic momentum, the minister said the nation’s GDP grew 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY 2025–26, reflecting a stable, vibrant, and innovation-driven economy. He urged young Indians to contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, noting that the world is watching India with high expectations.

Industry Leaders Speak

Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom, described the launch as a landmark achievement for Indian electronics. He pointed out that despite India being one of the largest mobile phone markets in the world, the country had long relied on imports for tempered glass. He stressed that the company’s ambition is for every Indian mobile user to adopt Make in India tempered glass, complete with BIS certification and fog marking, to safeguard their devices.

Pankaj Mahindroo, Chairman of the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), added that tempered glass manufacturing is highly labour-intensive, making it a tremendous opportunity for India. He noted that beyond meeting domestic demand, India has the potential to become a leading exporter in this segment, creating jobs, supporting MSMEs, and boosting the country’s presence in the global electronics supply chain.

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Market Size & Global Potential

The market for tempered glass in India is estimated at over 500 million units, valued at nearly ₹20,000 crore. Globally, the segment is worth more than USD 60 billion—underscoring vast opportunities for India to establish itself as a key player.

Inside the Noida Facility

The facility has been set up with an initial investment of ₹70 crore and is equipped to fully transform raw materials into high-quality tempered glass. In its first phase, the unit will produce 25 million pieces annually and generate employment for over 600 people. The second phase, supported by an additional ₹800 crore investment, will expand production capacity to 200 million units a year and create more than 4,500 jobs.

World-Class Manufacturing Capabilities

The plant offers complete end-to-end manufacturing, including scribing, shaping, polishing, dual-stage rinsing, chemical tempering, coating, printing, and lamination. Each process is subject to strict quality checks, ensuring that Indian consumers gain access to globally competitive tempered glass for the first time.

About Optiemus Infracom

Optiemus Group, a leading telecommunications and manufacturing company based in India, has nearly three decades of experience across telecom, technology, and manufacturing. With deep expertise and a unique understanding of the Indian market, the group is well-positioned to support India’s ambitions in electronics manufacturing.