Apple to convert failed GT Advanced Technologies Arizona factory into data center

Remember that whole sapphire iPhone screen thing? When an idea goes south, you can still use the intended facility for something.

Following GT Advanced Technologies’ plans to file for Chapter 11, Apple appears to be swooping in with a plan to invest US$2 billion to convert their Arizona factory into a data center.

The more than 1.3 million-square-foot building, which was once a solar-panel factory, was a key part of Apple’s efforts to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. after years of relying on Asian suppliers to build the company’s iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. While Apple had promised to bring jobs to the area even after the bankruptcy, the data center will probably employ fewer staff compared with an operation churning out components for iPhones.

The data center will employ 150 full-time Apple employees and will create 300 to 500 construction and trade jobs, Doug Ducey, Arizona’s governor, said in a telephone interview. The factory will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy, including from a new local solar farm according to Apple.

Apple filled in the details, saying the company had set up a US$100-per-year lease with a commitment for US$579 in prepayment loans.

As part of a settlement with Apple approved in December, GT can use the Mesa facility through December 2015.

Apple also will invest to build and finance solar projects in the area, which will produce enough energy to power more than 14,500 Arizona homes.

Via Bloomberg