New Copper Clad Laminate Facility to Reduce India’s Import Dependence in Electronics Manufacturing
Bengaluru, July 29 – Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN) has unveiled Wipro Electronic Materials a new business division dedicated to manufacturing Printed Circuit Board (PCB) base materials marking a strategic shift into the electronics component supply chain. The company will invest ₹500 crore to establish a Copper Clad Laminate (CCL) manufacturing plant in Karnataka, creating 350+ jobs and producing 6 million sheets annually to address India’s complete reliance on imports for these critical materials.
Key Highlights of Wipro’s PCB Materials Venture
1. First-of-its-Kind Domestic Production
✔ Product: Copper Clad Laminates (CCL) & pre-preg materials (essential for PCB fabrication)
✔ Capacity: 6 million+ sheets/year
✔ Location: Karnataka (details undisclosed)
✔ Investment: ₹500 crore
✔ Employment: 350 direct jobs
2. Strategic Importance
- 100% import substitution for CCL (currently sourced from China/Taiwan)
- Supports India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” electronics goals
- Strengthens supply chains for 5G, AI, automotive, and consumer electronics
3. Target Industries
📱 Telecom (5G infrastructure)
🚗 Automotive Electronics (EVs, sensors)
🏭 Industrial Systems
🤖 AI/Data Centers
📺 Consumer Electronics
Why This Matters for India?
✅ Reduces Critical Import Dependence
- PCBs = backbone of electronics; India imports $1.2B+ in CCL/year
- Post-COVID/China+1 demand for localized supply chains
✅ Boosts Electronics Manufacturing Ecosystem
- Links to Karnataka’s semiconductor/PCB fab ambitions (e.g., Tata-PSMC plant)
- Supports startups/MSMEs in electronics hardware
✅ Aligns with Govt Incentives
- MeitY’s SPECS scheme (₹3,285 cr for electronics components)
- Karnataka’s ESDM Policy (subsidies for electronics manufacturing)
Leadership Insights
Pratik Kumar, CEO, WIN & MD, Wipro Enterprises:
“This is a pioneering investment in India’s electronics sector. With Karnataka’s support, we’re enabling self-reliance in PCB materials—a key step toward becoming a global electronics hub.”
Industry Analyst:
“Wipro’s move fills a critical gap in India’s PCB supply chain. If scaled well, it could attract downstream PCB fabs and OEM partnerships.”
What’s Next?
🔹 Plant construction begins Q4 2024
🔹 Potential JVs with PCB manufacturers
🔹 Expansion into specialty laminates for high-frequency (5G/mmWave) applications
Conclusion:
Wipro’s bold ₹500 crore bet on PCB materials signals a new phase in India’s electronics manufacturing journey. By localizing CCL production, the company not only mitigates supply chain risks but also positions India as a future-ready player in advanced electronics.
Biggest Winners:
🇮🇳 Indian OEMs (reliable, local PCB material supply)
📈 Karnataka’s ESDM sector (more investments likely)
💡 Startups (easier access to affordable PCBs)
