A view of Samsung Electronics’ home appliance factory located near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India (Image courtesy of EPA=Yonhap)
BANGKOK, April 27 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics plans to invest approximately 17 billion won ($126 million) into its home appliance manufacturing facility in southern India, months after the plant was rocked by labor strikes and sit-ins, according to Indian authorities.
On April 27, Reuters reported that T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries of Tamil Nadu, announced via X (formerly Twitter) that Samsung would invest 10 billion rupees (approximately 1.7 billion won) in its plant located in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai.
Rajaa emphasized that the investment reflects Samsung’s renewed confidence in Tamil Nadu’s workforce, adding that the expansion would also create an additional 100 jobs at the facility.
The announcement comes just months after the factory, which manufactures refrigerators and washing machines, experienced significant labor unrest. In September 2024, hundreds of the plant’s approximately 1,800 workers launched a strike lasting over a month, demanding union recognition, improved working hours, and wage increases. In February 2025, about 500 workers staged a sit-in protest following the disciplinary action against three employees.
The Sriperumbudur factory is a critical asset for Samsung in India, accounting for roughly 20 percent of the company’s annual sales in the country, which totaled around $12 billion (approximately 17.3 trillion won).
The investment underscores Samsung’s continued commitment to the Indian market despite recent labor tensions, as the company seeks to bolster its manufacturing capabilities and maintain its competitive edge in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
