SRIPERUMBUDUR, INDIA – Flex (formerly Flextronics) has increased operations at its plant here after receiving a domestic tariff area (DTA) license last year.

In the past year, it has hired nearly 2,000 employees for the DTA area, according to reports. In the next 12 to 18 months, the firm plans to hire another 3,000 to 4,000, mostly for the DTA area.

Of the total 645,000 sq. ft. at the site, nearly 250,000 sq. ft. is allotted for DTA. Currently, DTA operations are around 40%, with plans to ramp to 100% in the next 12 to 18 months, according to reports.

The electronics manufacturer employs about 10,000 people in India, including 4,000 at its Sriperumbudur factory.

After receiving the license, Flex began making Lenovo smartphones at the plant.