Apple to restructure global business

BANGALORE: Apple Computer's plans to shut India development centre appear to be part of the company's global restructuring strategry, say industry analysts. "Apple is looking at restructuring its global business. At this juncture it seems that they do not want to invest in a new location," they point out.

According to industry sources, Apple chairman Steve Jobs was expected to visit Bangalore in April 2006. However, subsequently it was said that he would be visiting India in September 2006 to inaugurate the Apple's India development center.

Most of Apple's products are being assembled in the company's manufacturing facility in Cork, Ireland, and by external vendors in Fremont, California, Fullerton, California, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China, and the Czech Republic.

Many of the components used in the company's products are, in fact, produced by third-party vendors in Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore. Most of the company's portable products including MacBook Pro, iBooks, and iPods are manufactured by third-party vendors in China. "It makes sense for the company to invest and expand in these regions, instead of having a new facility in India," say analysts.

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