In 2014, Valley communities faced a crushing blow when GTAT announced bankruptcy resulting in the loss of 700 jobs as well as the hopes of building sapphire for Apple products. However, after the sapphire fail, Apple has been trying to preserve jobs at the facilities, according to Dow Jones.
Earlier today, Apple announced that they plan to build out former 1.3 million square feet GTAT facility into a $2B global command center and operate using solar power.
READ: GTAT / APPLE divorce
“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,” Ducey said according to AZ Central. “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.”
The conversion of facility into a data center could create between 300 to 500 construction jobs in the process and staff 150 full-time employees at the Mesa location.
Apple won’t be able to start building out the facility until 2016 after GTAT has all of their sapphire equipment out.
Contributions from CNBC, 9to5MAC, AZ Central
