MESA, AZ -- Apple is denying reports it plans to manufacture product at its plant here, saying its application for Foreign Trade-Zone status for the site is driven by tax benefits.

As reported by CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY and others, Apple has applied for FTZ status for the Mesa location. The company says, however, that it simply seeks to renew FTZ status that was originally issued to the site's previous owner, GT Advanced Technologies.

Apple told TechCrunch it does not intend to manufacture products at the site but will instead use the facility to perform server configuration and final assembly. The company said the application for renewal of FTZ status triggered the notice of proposed manufacturing activity, which was picked up by several media outlets.

GT Advanced Technologies was a supplier of materials for optical, laser and solar applications. It reportedly supplied sapphire to Apple.

• Prev
• Next