Technology major Apple has offered $200 million to smartphone glass maker Corning Inc, one of the component suppliers of iPhone, to foster innovation among American manufacturers.
The investment from Apple’s new Advanced Manufacturing Fund will support Corning’s R&D, capital equipment needs and glass processing. Corning’s 65-year-old Harrodsburg facility will be the focus of Apple’s investment and the 10-year collaboration between the two innovative companies.
“This partnership started 10 years ago with the first iPhone, and today every customer that buys an iPhone or iPad anywhere in the world touches glass that was developed in America,” said Jeff Williams, chief operating officer of Apple.
Apple’s manufacturing fund will make an investment of least $1 billion with US-based companies to encourage innovative production and create skilled jobs to lay the foundation for technology-driven manufacturing in the US.
Corning’s relationship with Apple has helped create nearly 1,000 American jobs. Donald Trump, President of America, is encouraging US based technology companies to enhance jobs for Americans.
“This investment will ensure our plant in Harrodsburg remains a global center of excellence for glass technology,” said Wendell P. Weeks, Corning’s chairman, chief executive officer and president.
Apple said it supports 2 million jobs in all 50 states, including 450,000 jobs attributable to Apple’s spend and investment with US-based suppliers. Apple spent over $50 billion with more than 9,000 domestic suppliers and manufacturers last year.
Since the inception of Gorilla Glass in 2007, the partnership between Apple and Corning has created and sustained nearly 1,000 US jobs across Corning’s R&D, manufacturing and commercial functions, including over 400 in Harrodsburg.
