Foxconn has appointed Michael Chiang as the new head of its iPhone assembly business.

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 He replaces longtime leader Wang Charng-yang.

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 The move is part of Foxconn Chairman Young Liu's efforts to elevate younger executives.

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 This is to maintain the company's supply chain leadership in the face of growing competition from Chinese contenders.

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 Foxconn's plant in China's Zhengzhou city was heavily affected by a COVID-19 outbreak and worker unrest over payment issues.

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 The plant was almost back to full production with December shipments reaching about 90 percent of initial plans.

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 Chiang's appointment is aimed to maintain Foxconn's position as a leader in the supply chain.

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 Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported that Apple was set to sign up Chinese contract manufacturer Luxshare 9.Precision Industry to produce premium iPhone models.

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 This is to make up for lost production at Foxconn's Zhengzhou factory last year.

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 Foxconn and Apple have not yet commented on the news.

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