Sapphire of my eye, Apple expands manufacturing to Mesa with GT Advanced Technologies in $578M deal

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona Commerce Authority announced today that Apple Inc. will open a manufacturing facility in the former First Solar facility to produce the sapphire materials in partnership with GT Advanced Technologies Inc. for Apples’ electronics. GT Advanced Technology (GT) is known for innovative crystal growth equipment and solutions for the … Read more

Apple to recover $439 million from GTAT in settlement

It’s settled, GT Advanced Technologies Inc has reached an agreement with Apple Inc. According to a statement from GT, they would be released from all exclusivity obligations under its various agreements with Apple. While GT will retain ownership of all production assets from Mesa, they will recover Apple $439 million pre-payment made to GT over … Read more

GTAT reaches “consensual accord” with Apple

The details have been sparse, but today we finally found out GT Advanced Technologies’ (GTAT) fate. GTAT’s attorney stated earlier today that the split is an ‘amicable parting of ways,’ and that the accord will save millions of dollars and solve most issues. Related: GTAT cuts hundreds of jobs from Arizona employees GTAT’s attorney also disclosed … Read more

GTAT's fate hangs in the balance

The drama continues between GT Advanced Technologies and Apple as we’re all reminded that secrets really aren’t that fun. As we probe into GTAT’s court case, attempting to unveil the secrets within, reports reveal that Apple will slap you with a hefty fine of upwards to $50 million if you disclose confidential matters. To recap, GTAT … Read more

Apple's sapphire supplier GTAT wants to cut ties

New information has emerged surrounding GT Advanced Technologies recent chapter 11 filing. GTAT is seeking approval from a judge to wind down its production of sapphire glass, which could result in a loss of hundreds of Arizona jobs. The bankruptcy filing started when information became public that Apple only paid four out of five advances, but … Read more

Apple’s sapphire star GTAT files for bankruptcy

GT Advanced Technologies Inc., announced today that it had commenced voluntary cases under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire. GT expects the court will authorize the company to continue to conduct business as usual while it devotes renewed efforts to resolve its current … Read more

13,900 jobs added to Arizona economy as technology booms

Over the past year, Arizona has been a hot spot for technology and business expansion. With the national eye watching what’s brewing in the Valley of the Sun, companies large and small have chosen to expand in a hotbed of new innovation, bringing both jobs and investments with them. According to data collected by the … Read more

Report reveals global sapphire market to reach $3.01B by 2020

Sapphire—Apple needs it, GT Technologies is going to make it. With the anticipation of the new iTime and iPhone 6, this precious glass is gaining more attention because of the integration with more consumer products. According to a report, “Sapphire Technology Market by Growth Technologies, Substrate Water, Devices, Applications, and Geography – Analysis & Forecast to … Read more

Will 100M Sapphire-crystal Apple screens be manufactured in Arizona?

If the rumors are true, GT Advanced Technologies, based in Mesa, Arizona, acquired enough sapphire crystal furnaces to produce over 100 million iPhone screens in a single year. Apple and GT Advanced Technologies partnered last year with many speculating that GT Advanced’s sapphire producing capabilities is what made Apple partner with them in the first … Read more

Turning kids into CodaKids – video

Video contribution Xavier Smith Instead of your child hanging out on the couch in front of the Xbox for hours on end managing their Mod, what if they could design their own Biomes and give Creepers superpowers? Scottsdale-based CodaKid, a dynamic computer programming and video game design organization that teaches children from 6 to 14 years … Read more