ICHE Enters Apple's Supply Chain via Indian Production Base... "Supplying Precision-Coated Films to Salcomp"

ICHE, a company specializing in high-performance electronic materials, announced on April 28 that it has entered Apple's supply chain for the first time through its local production facility in India. CH Component Ptv, Ltd, ICHE's Indian subsidiary, will supply precision-coated films to Salcomp, an Apple iPhone assembly partner.

This order marks the first case of producing and supplying precision-coated films that meet demanding quality requirements locally in India. CH Component is one of the few production bases in India equipped with cleanroom-based precision coating facilities, giving it a competitive edge in manufacturing high-functional precision films locally.

This precision-coated film is a high value-added process material used in smartphone manufacturing to prevent damage to key components and improve assembly efficiency. Its ability to meet stringent quality requirements, such as appropriate adhesive strength and residue-free removal, has become a competitive advantage.

Salcomp, an Apple iPhone assembly partner, plays a key role as Apple diversifies its production bases from a China-centric supply chain to countries such as India and Vietnam. ICHE is establishing itself as a core component supplier amid global IT device manufacturers' strategies to expand production bases, and this is expected to become an important turning point in expanding its global customer base.

Apple is accelerating its strategy to diversify production bases due to the intensifying US-China trade conflict and the US government's high tariff policy on Chinese goods. Currently, about 80% of iPhones are produced in China and 20% in India. The share of production in India is expected to increase rapidly in the future. ICHE was able to secure this order as a result of proactively anticipating and preparing for these changes in the global value chain.

An ICHE representative stated, "This order is the first tangible result of ICHE's India strategy, and an important turning point for product diversification and expanding our global customer base," adding, "We plan to continue investing and expanding production capacity to secure additional orders and increase our market share in India."

Meanwhile, CH Component, ICHE's Indian subsidiary, began as a first-tier vendor for Samsung Electronics' wireless business division in 2012 and shifted to the precision-coated film business in 2021, focusing on restructuring the global supply chain. To respond to additional orders and expand production facilities, the company has secured a new production site in Noida, India, known for its excellent logistics accessibility, and has invested approximately KRW 10 billion.