Foxconn, the main manufacturer of Apple’s iPhone, Thursday confirmed an earlier report suggesting it will charge clients more for making mobile handsets. However, the company says competitors likely will not use the move to entice clients. “Most clients have already agreed to the new quotes,” a Foxconn representative told reporters.
Foxconn noted not all clients have yet to sign-up for the new pricing arrangement. Unknown is to which camp Apple belongs. Wednesday, a Taiwan-based publication reported a Citibank analyst believe Hon Hai, Foxconn’s parent, would raise manufacturing costs for October.
Earlier, the iPhone manufacturer strongly denied a report that Foxconn employees mentioned the company engaged in alleged infractions, including covering up internal disputes and physically threatening workers. In a statement, the company “categorically reject[ed]” the findings of a survey leaked Monday.
Foxconn and Apple have been mired in a long-running debate on the best response to worker suicides. Most recently, the Chinese company raised worker wages. Along with Apple, Foxconn also makes products for others, including Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson.
