Apple Will Invest $2 Billion to Convert GT Advanced Plant Into Global Command Center

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has announced that Apple will make a $2 billion investment in Mesa to convert the GT Advanced plant into a command center for the company's global networks. The investment will be one of the company's largest ever.

The facility is expected to employ 150 full-time Apple employees, with 300-500 construction and trade jobs. Additionally, Apple is making a significant investment to power the facility with 100 percent renewable energy -- building and financing solar projects that will take advantage of Arizona's excellent solar resources. The projects will produce 70 MW of clean energy, enough to power more than 14,500 Arizona homes.

"This is a great day for Arizona, and we have moved rapidly to make this happen and take advantage of Apple's interest in our state," said Governor Ducey. "Apple is by far one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. Its decision to bring this new facility to Mesa is a huge win for Arizona and a high testament to our business-friendly climate and talented workforce. This expansion will bring a significant economic investment, and propel Arizona's position as one of the best states in the nation in which to do business. I'm proud to continue our partnership with Apple with this new project."


What Apple would do with the plant was unclear after GT Advanced declared bankruptcy to get out of its contracts with Apple and its sapphire production deal fell apart.

At the time, Apple said "we remain committed to the city and we’re going to work with Mesa and Maricopa County to help the GT Advanced employees who will be impacted by this find new jobs."

Commenting on the new project, Apple said, "This multibillion-dollar project is one of the largest investments we've ever made, and when completed it will add over 600 engineering and construction jobs to the more than one million jobs Apple has already created in the U.S."