A source with Foxconn says the company expects its Zhengzhou plant in China, which is responsible for producing Apple iPhones, will return to full production sometime in late December or early January.

The Zhengzhou plant has been the site of sometimes violent protests by workers over stringent Covid-19 restrictions placed on the plant after an outbreak of the virus. Production came to a halt, as many workers were locked down, others fled the plant in breakouts, and still others got in violent confrontations with security forces and even local Police.

It staunched the supply of iPhones just ahead of the critical holiday season, including Christmas and New Year’s, when sales traditionally are brisk. The source noted, “The capacity is now being gradually resumed. If the recruitment goes smoothly, it could take around three to four weeks to resume full production.”

The source noted that although the government and the company are working hard to recruit a new slate of workers, there are obstacles ahead. One obstacle the source noted was many workers are fearful to work at the plant, after stories spread of being locked down and prevented from leaving amidst a disease outbreak, as well as stories of violence which occurred at the plant during the protests.

The source noted however, “We are firing on all cylinders on the recruitment.”