Apple to invest $2 billion in GT Advanced Technologies' former factory; facility will be a new data center

It doesn't seem that long, but it was 14 months ago when Apple signed a deal with GT Advanced Technologies for the latter to supply Apple with sapphire crystals. The production of the material was to take place in a factory owned by Apple in Mesa, Arizona. GT Advanced could not supply Apple with enough of the material it needed, and the finishers could not increase the yield of sapphire glass being produced for the Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus.

As a result of the problems, Apple had to scrap the idea of using sapphire glass displays on its new iPhone models. The company went with hardened glass instead. Apple, which had lent GT Advanced closed to $440 million, held back on a final check amounting to $139 million and that sent the company into bankruptcy.

With the equipment inside the factory getting sold off to help replay Apple and other creditors, Apple plans on reclaiming the facility and will turn it into a data center. Apple will invest $2 billion to convert the 1.3 million square-foot plant. The tech titan is using this opportunity to hire more Americans and according to company spokeswoman Kristin Huguet, the data center "will serve as a command center for our global networks."

Apple's new data center will employ 150 people full-time and will create 300 to 500 construction and trade jobs. The factory will be powered using renewable energy including solar power. Apple will have to wait until early next year to take control of the factory; as part of a settlement with Apple, GT Advanced can use the factory through December 2015.

source: Bloomberg