Apple planning to repurpose GTAT plant in Mesa, Arizona
Apple and GTAT's sapphire partnership came to abrupt and somewhat dramatic halt when GTAT filed for bankruptcy shortly after the iPhone 6 unveiling. As a direct result, upwards of 700 employees who worked at GTAT's Mesa, Arizona plant lost their jobs.
Now comes word via Bloomberg that Apple has plans to repurpose the plant (which they paid for) and will work closely with elected officials to remain an integral part of the local economy.
"They've indicated their commitment to us: They want to repurpose that building and use it again," Mesa City Manager Christopher Brady said in a recent interview. Apple has said it's focused "on preserving jobs in Arizona" and promised to "work with state and local officials as we consider our next steps."
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"Apple could've invested in a facility literally anywhere in the world," said Mesa Mayor John Giles, who is planning to visit Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, to show the city's support. "There's a reason they came here, and none of those reasons have changed."
Indeed, Apple didn't come to Mesa, Arizona out of the goodness of its heart -- it specifically chose Mesa because of the attractive economics and overall perks the location provided, including a rather hefty decrease in property taxes and an assurance that the plant would run on renewable energy.
