Chinese consumer electronics giant Hisense has inaugurated its first manufacturing plant in India, located in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The facility, developed through a joint venture with Epack Manufacturing Technologies Private Limited (a subsidiary of Epack Durable Limited), represents a significant step in the company’s localisation strategy for the Indian market.
The state-of-the-art plant spans 10 acres within Epack Durable’s industrial park and was set up with an investment exceeding $30 million (approximately ₹272 crore). It marks Hisense’s shift from an import-dependent model to local production, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative and helping the company better control quality, costs, and supply chains.
Pilot production is already underway at the facility. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in February 2026, with the first phase focused exclusively on manufacturing room air conditioners (RACs) for Hisense India. Once fully operational, the plant will meet 100 per cent of the company’s domestic demand for RACs, with an initial installed capacity of 7.5 lakh units per year.
In subsequent phases, the facility plans to expand into other home appliances. Top-load and front-load washing machines are expected to be added in the second quarter of 2026-27, followed by LED television production from the third quarter of the same fiscal year.
Hisense India CEO Pankaj Rana described the inauguration as a pivotal moment for the company’s growth in the country. He said the plant would enable faster response to local consumer needs, improve supply chain efficiency, and support customised product development for the Indian market.
The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, with estimates suggesting up to 1,500 jobs once the facility reaches full capacity. It also strengthens the industrial ecosystem in Sri City, an emerging manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh that has attracted several global and domestic companies.
This move comes as India’s air conditioner market continues to grow rapidly, driven by rising temperatures, urbanisation, and increasing disposable incomes. Local production could help Hisense offer more competitive pricing and reduce lead times compared to imported units.
The inauguration underscores growing interest from global electronics brands in setting up manufacturing bases in India to serve both domestic demand and export markets.
