Lenovo Made-in-India Motherboards: A Leap Forward in Local Manufacturing
November 27, 2023: Lenovo, a leading name in the global PC market and India’s second-largest PC manufacturer, has taken a significant leap in supporting local manufacturing. In a recent announcement, Lenovo launched PCs equipped with Made-in-India motherboards, aligning with the Government of India’s Preferential Market Access (PMA) policy. This strategic move not only bolsters Lenovo’s manufacturing capabilities in India but also positions the company favorably in government tenders for PCs.
Lenovo Made-in-India Motherboards Expanding Manufacturing Footprint
Saurabh Agrawal, Chief Operating Officer of Lenovo India, emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening and expanding Lenovo’s manufacturing presence in the country. The Made-in-India motherboards mark a key milestone in Lenovo’s journey, enhancing its portfolio with locally manufactured components.
PMA Compliance and Local Manufacturing
The introduction of Made-in-India motherboards enables Lenovo to qualify for the Class 1 PMA bracket. This classification is crucial as it mandates over 50% of components to be sourced through local manufacturing for a specific range of products. This development was shared by Agrawal during a press meet at Lenovo’s factory in Puducherry.
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Additional Milestones and Investments including the Lenovo Made-in-India Motherboards
Lenovo’s commitment to India’s manufacturing sector was further highlighted with the recent opening of the Lenovo Shared Support Center in Bengaluru. This facility, launched in August, represents Lenovo’s ongoing investment in local R&D and job creation.
Boost from PLI 2.0 Scheme
The announcement aligns with the approval of 27 firms under the PLI2.0 for IT Hardware Scheme. Lenovo sees this as an opportunity to escalate PC production capabilities and contribute significantly to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative under the PLI 2.0 scheme.
Pondicherry Plant: A Hub of Production for Lenovo Made-in-India Motherboards
Lenovo’s Pondicherry plant, formerly an IBM facility, boasts an annual capacity of 1.4 million units. The plant, currently operating at nearly half its capacity, produces around 4,500 units daily across three shifts. It manufactures various models, including the latest V15 and Thinkbook15.
Market Conditions and Future Plans
Despite recent market challenges, Agrawal noted signs of recovery with a projected 3-4% growth. He remains optimistic about the demand for PCs. Regarding expansion plans, Agrawal confirmed ongoing efforts in line with the PLI scheme, reaffirming Lenovo’s commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in India.
In conclusion, Lenovo’s introduction of Made-in-India motherboards is a strategic move that not only supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also strengthens the company’s position in the local and global markets. This development is a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to innovation, local manufacturing, and market expansion.
