Even though construction on the Apple and GT Advanced sapphire manufacturing plant in Arizona is not yet complete, it appears the companies are already planning an expansion.
"Project Cascade," which encompasses the plant and its surrounding 83 acres of land, has a large main structure and parking lots, support structures and other equipment. The current talks would be for an extension into the area behind Cascade.
The adjacent land is vacant and could replicate the size of the current facility, read reports.
Apple/GT's current facility is not yet completed by still outputs product, remaining powered by an array of temporary generators, a mini substation and large chiller units. Construction is slated to finish in June.
The facility builds sapphire boules in bulk, and is used as an alternative to Gorilla Glass, a protective (unscratchable) tech for glass. Sapphire is thinner and lighter than the potassium-enhanced Gorilla Glass, but has been much more expensive in the past. So far, Apple has used the sapphire as a cover for its iPhone cameras and as a cover for the new Touch ID sensor.
The adjacent land is vacant and could replicate the size of the current facility, read reports.
Apple/GT's current facility is not yet completed by still outputs product, remaining powered by an array of temporary generators, a mini substation and large chiller units. Construction is slated to finish in June.
The facility builds sapphire boules in bulk, and is used as an alternative to Gorilla Glass, a protective (unscratchable) tech for glass. Sapphire is thinner and lighter than the potassium-enhanced Gorilla Glass, but has been much more expensive in the past. So far, Apple has used the sapphire as a cover for its iPhone cameras and as a cover for the new Touch ID sensor.
