Foxconn boosts hiring amid rumors of new iPhone

Foxconn Technology Group (2354.TW) began hiring again after a two-month hold following Chinese New Year, signaling it may be preparing to assemble a new iPhone, The Wall Street Journal reported. The Taiwanese company has added 10,000 workers per week to its Zhengzhou facility assembly line, its major iPhone manufacturing station. Foxconn executives with direct knowledge of production plans said the increased hiring was in preparation for the next iPhone. Apple (AAPL.NASDAQ) is expected to begin production for the next model of iPhone in the second quarter of this year, according to the unidentified executives, but Apple’s Beijing spokeswoman declined to comment.