Apple to build manufacturing plant in Mesa

PHOENIX — Some Apple products will soon be made in Mesa, Ariz., at the company’s newest manufacturing plant.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said the new location will employ about 700 jobs in the first year, not to mention about 1,300 construction-related jobs.

“Apple is indisputably one of the world’s most innovative companies and I’m thrilled to welcome them to Arizona,” Brewer said in a press release. “Apple will have an incredibly positive economic impact for Arizona and its decision to locate here speaks volumes about the friendly, pro-business climate we have been creating these past four years.”

Aside from jobs, Apple will also help Arizona work to become a greener state when it comes to energy.

“Their investment in renewable energy will also be greening our power grid, and creating significant new solar and geothermal power sources for the state,” Brewer said.

The Arizona Commerce Authority said Salt River Project has worked with Apple to create additional renewable energy sources to power the plant. Apple confirmed in a statement that the plant would be sustained by renewable energy.

This new plant will make components for Apple products and it will run on 100% renewable energy from day one, as a result of the work we are doing with SRP to create green energy sources to power the facility.”

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith’s spokeswoman Melissa Randazzo said the new plant will be located at the First Solar site at Elliot and Signal Butte.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Glenn Hamer said Apple’s decision bodes well for Arizona.

“A momentous day. It’s not every day that one of the most respected companies in the world announcing that they’re putting hundreds of high-quality jobs in the state. This is a continuation of the good news that will come because Arizona is among the most competitive places to do business in the country.”

In a statement, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council said Apple’s arrival will be a “game-changer” for Arizona.

“Apple’s presence in the region will be a game-changer for the Greater Phoenix’s area, its innovation landscape and future ability to attract other high-tech companies. Between their plans to hire 700 direct employees and run completely on renewable energy, I’m convinced Apple could not have chosen a better location than Mesa and Eastmark. This deal is the result of the cooperation and support of several parties, including Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Chucri, City of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, DMB Associates, the ACA and SRP, whose infrastructure will enable more projects to move forward in the surrounding area.”

Smith said the arrival of Apple shows the city’s commitment to bringing in high-tech jobs.