Apple is investing $2 billion to build a global data center in Mesa, Arizona. The new facility will serve as a command center for the company’s global networks and is expected to employ 150 full-time Apple employees, and hire 300 to 500 construction and trade jobs for its building. This is one of the largest investments Apple has ever made, made all the more expensive by Apple’s pledge to completely power the facility with renewable energy, building out solar projects in the process. So why is Apple building a data center at the site that formerly manufactured sapphire under Apple’s controversial (and now bankrupt) partner GT Technologies?
The thing is, Apple had acquired the 1.3 million sq ft facility back in 2013 to lease to GTAT for its sapphire supply facilities, which were to be exclusively for Apple’s benefit. Apple’s investment includes a pledge to power the new facility completely using energy derived from renewable sources, which is in keeping with its commitment to green power, and as part of the project the company will be building out new solar collection facilities.
As part of its bankruptcy arrangement with GTAT over outstanding debt, Apple had agreed to acquire some of the failed company’s assets, and it already owned the land it had intended to lease to GTAT for expansion. Apple has increasing requirements for cloud and data management, of course, owing to the increased importance of said services to both its desktop and mobile platforms, as well as iCloud.com.
The repurposing of the Mesa, Arizona facility seems like a move inspired by negative circumstances that turns into opportunity for most of those involved – Apple gets something to do with property it already purchased, as well as a new HQ for its growing data business, while Arizona gets a renewed commitment to employment and the local Mesa economy.
