Micromax, Intex and Lava to start assembling devices locally

NEW DELHI: Top Indian handset makers such as Micromax, Intex and Lava are taking decisive steps to move beyond pure-play assembly of mobile phones locally, and are talking to key component making partners in Asia to set up shop in the country.

India’s No. 1 handset maker Micromax Informatics is in talks with component makers for assembling display panels locally, while its closest local competitor Intex Technologies is planning to begin assembling printed circuit boards (PCB) at its upcoming Noida plant by the fourth quarter this year.

"We are talking to a few component manufacturers, who are very interested to come and put up their factories in India, they can be Chinese or Korean," said Rajesh Agarwal, co-founder of the No. 2 smartphone player in the country.

The lowest hanging fruit for the company is display panel, that several companies want to make in India, Agarwal said.