Apple provider Foxconn expects its COVID-hit Zhengzhou plant in China to renew full manufacturing round late December to early January, a Foxconn supply stated on Monday, after employee unrest disrupted the world’s greatest iPhone manufacturing unit.

The Zhengzhou plant has been grappling with strict COVID-19 restrictions which have fuelled discontent amongst staff over situations on the manufacturing unit. Manufacturing of the Apple gadget was disrupted forward of Christmas and January’s Lunar New Yr holidays, with many staff both having to isolate to fight the unfold of the virus or fleeing the plant.

“The capability is now being regularly resumed” with new employees hiring below manner, stated the particular person with direct information of the matter. The particular person declined to the named as the data was non-public.

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“If the recruitment goes easily, it may take round three to 4 weeks to renew full manufacturing,” the particular person stated, pointing to a interval round late December to early January.

Foxconn and the native authorities are working exhausting on the recruitment drive however many uncertainties stay, based on the supply. The particular person cited “fears” some staff might need about working for the corporate after the plant was hit by protests final month that typically turned violent.

“We’re firing on all cylinders on the recruitment,” the particular person stated.

Foxconn declined to remark.

Shares of Foxconn had been up 0.5% on Monday morning, according to the 0.6% rise within the broader market.