Apple supplier Wistron says looking to re-start violence-hit Bengaluru factory

Wistron did not give a timeline for the re-opening of the plant but three government officials said that the company could begin operations at the Narasapura factory as early as next week.

Security personnel stand guard outside Wistron Infocomm Manufacturing India Pvt Ltd, where a section of workers went on a rampage at its facility manufacturing Apple iPhones and other products over non-payment of promised wage, at Narasapura area in Bengaluru. (PTI)

Apple Inc's contract manufacturer Wistron said on Tuesday it was looking to restart operations at its factory in southern India which was shut late last year after workers went on a rampage at the site.

Wistron was working hard to raise standards and fix issues at the plant in Karnataka's Kolar district, the Taiwanese company said in a statement.

"We are looking forward to restarting our operations and welcoming back team members and we thank them for their patience and support as we worked through corrective actions," Wistron said.

Wistron did not give a timeline for the re-opening of the plant but three government officials in India told Reuters that the company could begin operations at the Narasapura factory as early as next week. The officials, however, declined to be named as the matter is not public.

Three months ago, contract workers angry over unpaid wages destroyed property, gear and iPhones on December 12, causing millions of dollars in losses to Wistron and forcing it to shut the plant.

Apple later put Wistron on probation after its audit of the plant found violations of 'Supplier Code of Conduct'.

On Tuesday, Wistron said it had paid all its workers and brought in new hiring and payroll systems.

"We will be delivering enhanced training programs for all workers, and have put in a place a new system for workers to get information and raise any concerns they may have, anonymously," Wistron added.

“For the past eight weeks, teams across Apple, along with independent auditors, have been working with Wistron to make sure the necessary systems and processes are in place at their Narasapura facility. A comprehensive set of corrective actions has now been completed and Wistron has restructured their recruiting team and enhanced training and support for workers. As Wistron begins the process of hiring team members and restarting their operations, everyone at the facility will undergo a new training program to ensure they understand their rights and how they can raise any concerns. Apple employees and independent auditors will remain on site to validate that the new processes are effective," Apple said in a statement to HT Tech. 

"We are dedicated to ensuring that workers are protected and treated with dignity and respect. Wistron remains on probation and we will monitor their progress closely," the company added.