T.N. CM Stalin inaugurates Bigtech’s Gorilla Glass manufacturing unit near Chennai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday (December 5, 2025) inaugurated a manufacturing unit of Bigtech, which produces Gorilla Glass for smartphones. Bigtech, a joint venture between US-based Corning and Indian firm Optiemus, has set up the unit in the SIPCOT Industrial Park at Pillaipakkam in Kancheepuram district near Chennai with an investment of ₹1,003 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Stalin hoped that Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies (Bigtech) would continue to grow, attract even larger investments, and create many more employment opportunities for the people of Tamil Nadu.

“I would like to take this opportunity to make a request to the leadership of Corning. You have set global benchmarks in advanced technology, high-value manufacturing, and top-quality employment. On similar lines, I hope that this project will have special emphasis on creating high-quality, high-value job opportunities for the youth of Tamil Nadu. I am confident that you will do this for Tamil Nadu.”

Listing out the steps being undertaken by the DMK government for accelerating investments, Mr. Stalin said: “The speed and transparency with which we operate sends a clear and powerful message to global investors about Tamil Nadu’s business-friendly environment.”

Mr. Stalin said the trust and confidence that global companies place on the State have enabled Tamil Nadu to achieve remarkable growth over the past four years across diversified sectors, including Electronics, Global Capability Centres, and Research & Development.

Tamil Nadu stood tall in the Electronics sector, ranking India’s No. 1 in exports with USD 14.65 billion, he said. “We contribute a substantial 41% of the country’s total electronics exports. Over the past four years, we have achieved nine-fold growth in this sector. Let me assure you, this is not merely a statistic—it is a clear and emphatic statement that Tamil Nadu is truly the Electronics Capital of India.”

Aiming at making Tamil Nadu a key hub for electronics manufacturing on the global stage, his government has launched the electronic components manufacturing initiative—a policy designed to bring the entire value chain, from design to production, right here to Tamil Nadu, he said.

“As a result of our concerted efforts, the global giants of the electronics sector have established their operations across regions ranging from Kancheepuram, Hosur, Coimbatore and Trichy to Tirunelveli. As the next step, we are setting up an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Thoothukudi, which will be well connected and equipped with excellent port facilities. I take this opportunity to warmly invite you to bring your future projects and establish them there,” he said.

Minister T.M. Anbarasan, legislator K. Selvaperunthagai, senior officials of the Tamil Nadu government, Corning Gorilla Glass’ vice president Andrew Beck, director Ravikumar Katare, business director Joey Lee, chairman of the India Cellular & Electronics Association Pankaj Mohindroo, and Optiemus chairman Ashoek Gupta were among those present.