Foxconn 'cautiously restarting production' at main factories

Foxconn Production Line
Foxconn Production Line (Image credit: Apple)

What you need to know

  • Foxconn has said it plans to "cautiously" restart production at its main plants in China.
  • Factories have been unable to resume full production due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the country.
  • It has also warned that revenue will suffer as a result of the disruption.

Foxconn has said it plans to "cautiously" restart production at its main plants in China after several weeks of extended closure and disruption.

According to Reuters:

Apple iPhone maker Foxconn (2317.TW) said on Thursday it is cautiously restarting production at its main plants in China and warned revenue will be hurt this year by the coronavirus epidemic.The statement comes just days after Apple (AAPL.O) rescinded its March quarter sales guidance, saying factories in China have been slower to get back to work than first anticipated after Lunar New Year holidays were extended amid the outbreak.Foxconn, the world No. 1 contract manufacturer, also said its plants in countries such as Vietnam, India and Mexico continue to operate at full capacity with expansion plans underway as it seeks to minimize the impact of the virus.

The report describes the situation as a "logistical nightmare", many workers find themselves trapped at home due to travel restrictions and quarantine. These restrictions differ by province and city but have largely rendered most people unable to return to work after the Lunar break in the country.

There have been mixed reports in recent weeks with regard to Foxconn and its return to production. A report suggested that Chinese authorities had told Foxconn not to reopen its factories. More recently, it was purported that Foxconn was hoping to resume 50% production by the end of February, and 80% by the March, a timetable Foxconn denies.

Now Foxconn itself has confirmed that is seeking to restart production in its main plants in China.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9