Collaboration Announced: Apple and Corning Join Forces to Produce Glass for all iPhones and Apple Watches in Kentucky
Apple's $2.5 billion partnership with Corning to produce 100% of iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass domestically in Kentucky has significant implications for small businesses.
The partnership, part of Apple's American Manufacturing Program (AMP), aims to accelerate U.S. manufacturing for critical components. This focus on domestic production expands the U.S. supply chain network, potentially generating more opportunities for small and medium-sized suppliers and service providers to engage as partners or subcontractors.
Corning's Harrodsburg facility will dedicate full production capacity to Apple, resulting in a 50% increase in the workforce. This surge in local employment and industrial activity may encourage ancillary businesses like maintenance, logistics, packaging, and suppliers of industrial goods to grow or emerge around that region, benefiting small businesses in the local economy.
Apple collaborates with Michigan State University to open an Apple Manufacturing Academy designed to help small and medium-sized businesses improve operations and workforce skills, preparing them to participate in Apple's growing domestic supply chain.
The new Apple-Corning Innovation Center in Kentucky will focus on developing advanced materials and manufacturing platforms. Small businesses specializing in materials, engineering, or technology may find new partnership or innovation collaboration opportunities as Apple and Corning push technological boundaries locally.
The decision to centralize cover glass production in Kentucky strengthens Apple's supply chain and positions the state as a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing. However, major players like Apple tightening their grip on production capabilities could make it difficult for smaller businesses to compete. Small businesses vying in the tech supply chain may find limited opportunities due to Apple's focus on advanced manufacturing.
Such stability could mean fewer disruptions and better inventory management for businesses that rely on Apple products. Apple plans to hire 20,000 people across the U.S., potentially leading to competition for skilled labor, particularly in manufacturing and engineering roles. To attract skilled workers, small businesses might need to focus on unique workplace cultures, benefits, or training programs.
This partnership aligns with Apple's broader strategy to invest $600 billion in the U.S. economy over the next four years. The long-standing relationship between Apple and Corning suggests that the two companies intend to continue pushing boundaries in innovation. Small businesses should be prepared to adapt and find their niche in an evolving landscape as companies like Apple invest in local economies.
For further details, please refer to Apple's official newsroom at Apple's Newsroom.
[1] Apple Inc. (2023). Apple and Corning Announce New Partnership to Produce iPhone and Apple Watch Cover Glass in the U.S. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/02/apple-and-corning-announce-new-partnership-to-produce-iphone-and-apple-watch-cover-glass-in-the-us/
[2] Apple Inc. (2023). Apple Manufacturing Academy. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/business/manufacturing-academy/
[3] Corning Incorporated (2023). Apple and Corning Collaborate on Next-Generation Glass Solutions for Apple Products. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/about-us/news-events/press-releases/2023/apple-and-corning-collaborate-on-next-generation-glass-solutions-for-apple-products.html
[4] Michigan State University (2023). Apple Manufacturing Academy. Retrieved from https://www.msu.edu/~manufacturing/apple/
[5] Commonwealth of Kentucky (2023). Governor Beshear Announces $2.5 Billion Investment by Apple and Corning to Establish New Manufacturing Facility in Kentucky. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://governor.ky.gov/news/governor-beshear-announces-2-5-billion-investment-by-apple-and-corning-to-establish-new-manufacturing-facility-in-kentucky
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