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Apple invests $2bn to convert failed Arizona factory

In one of the largest investments ever made by the company, Apple is turning its failed sapphire plant into a new data hub

Apple's decision to convert a failed factory in Arizona into a new data and command centre will see a host of engineering and construction jobs created in the state

Apple has announced plans for a $2bn investment in order to convert a failed factory in Arizona into a new data and command centre. The hub will control traffic for Apple services, such as iCloud, Siri and iTunes.

A host of engineering and construction jobs will be created for the area

The plant, which was a joint endeavour between Apple and GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT), was established in 2013 to make phone screens for the tech powerhouse. Despite plans to incorporate the factory into Apple’s supply chain and high hopes for the sapphire glass industry, the plant was unable to meet quality requirements and GTAT filed for bankruptcy in October.

Apple originally invested in the factory in order to create jobs and promote production within the US, thereby making a shift away from Asian manufacturing. The new data centre will employ 150 full-time staff, in place of the 700 employees axed at the end of last year. “I got the impression from Apple that they wanted to do the right thing and we’re excited that they are doing it here in Arizona”, the state’s governor, Doug Ducey, told Bloomberg.

In statements made by both Ducey and Apple, a host of engineering and construction jobs will be created for the area as plans are unveiled to power the facility completely with renewable energy. According to Apple, its new command hub will incorporate a solar farm with enough energy to power 14,500 homes.

As part of the agreement forged between the two companies, Apple will allow GTAT to use the 1.3mil square foot facility until December this year.