Apple is repurposing GT Advanced’s former sapphire plant in Mesa, Ariz., to produce cabinets for its other data centers, according to a notice published by the U.S. government — and as noted by AppleInsider.
The city of Mesa, filing on Apple’s behalf, noted that Apple has “repurposed the site as a global data command center,” which will “conduct high-tech manufacturing of finished data center cabinets for other data centers.” “The nature of the product is not for end users but for other global data centers what will be supported from the site,” the city said.
GT Advanced Tech filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2014 after its scratch-resistant sapphire glass was left out of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. GTAT claimed Apple imposed “oppressive and burdensome terms and obligations” on the company and were an “unnecessary drain” on its resources, reportedly costing $1 million a day.
The display supplier closed plants in Arizona and Massachusetts, resulting in the loss of 890 jobs out of a total workforce of 1,100. GTAT said Apple was to blame even though Apple provided $578 million in funding for the Arizona plant, which GT agreed to repay the money over five years.
