Tim Cook says some Macs will be US-manufactured in 2013

[Jos]

BusinessWeek has posted a lengthy interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook, discussing everything from the recent management shifts at the company, to the Maps fiasco and the convergence of OS X / iOS. On the topic of manufacturing, something that has been hotly debated in recent months, Cook had some juicy details to share as well. Namely, Apple will move some Mac manufacturing to the U.S. starting next year.

He didn’t reveal specifically which of the Mac lines will be manufactured in the company’s home country, but said their plans go beyond just assembly -- as hinted by a recent iMac teardown. Cook revealed that Apple has been working on this for a long time and is close to making it a reality. Manufacturing won’t be handled directly in-house, but it will be done in the U.S. and they’re investing over $100 million to make it happen.

Cook says that Apple has a responsibility as an American company to create jobs. "I don't think we have a responsibility to create a certain kind of job, but I do think we do have a responsibility to create jobs,” he said, noting that the measurement of job creation shouldn’t be limited to the number of employees working directly for them. There’s the thousands of developers making money from iOS apps, while certain parts of the iPhone such as its processor and glass are also made by third-parties in the U.S.

Moving some of its production back to the U.S. is another step in that direction and certainly a welcome one from one of the biggest companies in the world. It will be more expensive for Apple to manufacture in the United States, but given their healthy margins and cash reserves, they certainly can afford to take the financial hit in exchange for some goodwill. It remains to be seen if the move will ultimately affect prices for consumers.

Apple is not the only company taking steps into U.S.-based manufacturing. Back in October, Chinese PC manufacturer Lenovo announced plans to build some laptop and desktop systems in the U.S.

Below is a video excerpt from a separate interview from NBC’s “Rock Center” airing tonight at 10pm EST where Apple CEO Tim Cook will touch on the same topics in detail.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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https://www.techspot.com/news/51015-tim-cook-says-some-macs-will-be-us-manufactured-in-2013.html

 

[Guest]

So, they can place more expensive price tag..

 

[davislane1]

It'll be interesting to see where they setup shop. My money is on Texas or Nevada, but they'll still up the price a couple hundred bucks regardless. Glad to see they're bringing some business to the US though.

 

[Guest]

Oh look apple is doing something respectful. Remember this moment for it is rare.

 

[9Nails]

I would be shocked if it were in California. But I am happy to see that some manufacturing brought back to their home country. The 100 million investment is somewhat significant but, measuring by the cash on hand reserve that Apple holds, it's by not large.

I wonder if this step comes as a result of the battle between Apple and its competitors/partners.

 

[Lurker101]

And by 'manufactured' he actually means 'assembled'. Apple isn't going to waste money employing expensive American workers to build Apple products. They'll continue to use the cheaper Chinese workforce to build anything important, then have it all shipped to America to be quickly put together so it can all boast a 'Made in the USA' sticker on.

 

[Jos]

And by 'manufactured' he actually means 'assembled'. Apple isn't going to waste money employing expensive American workers to build Apple products. They'll continue to use the cheaper Chinese workforce to build anything important, then have it all shipped to America to be quickly put together so it can all boast a 'Made in the USA' sticker on.

What exactly it will entail is unclear right now. But he specifically mentions in the interview that they plan something more "substantial" than "just assembly". It's also mentioned in the news post.

 

[Ranger1st]

Respectful? hell, I bet this wouldn't be happening without MASSIVE tax breaks and incentives from all levels of government.. Apple has never done anything patriotic for the sake of patriotism they are 'bottom line feeders' that's it.

 

[LNCPapa]

It's a start... and I'm pleased Apple is doing anything at all to try since the zealots wouldn't stop buying their products anyway. If they keep it up and pay taxes like they should then I may start having a lot more respect for the company. They make some cool stuff, we all know that. Just don't do it at the expense of everyone else. You've gotta have some patriotism.

 

[fimbles]

Possibly because they have burned their bridges with samsung and other suppliers...

 

[Ranger1st]

They should 'start' by paying proper business taxes, that's patriotic... and no personally I find their products way too much form over function. I don't find any of their products appealing.

 

[Khanonate]

Give the guy a break, he's a new CEO so maybe... he will turn things around....

 

[Guest]

"Patriotic"
any other?
close&close&close
just sick

 

[NTAPRO]

They should 'start' by paying proper business taxes, that's patriotic... and no personally I find their products way too much form over function. I don't find any of their products appealing.

Not even the ipod classic? 160gb and costs quite a bit less than all the newer ipods? LOL

Would be the best gift I ever got.

So, they can place more expensive price tag..

U jelly?

 

[Guest]

Create jobs. teehee no pun intended I guess.