Apple with Foxconn to Move back Mac mini production to the US

Reliable sources have reportedly informed that Apple is all set to bring back manufacturing of the Mac mini to the United States. Officials in the supply chain have stated that this is in collaboration with Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry). The company shall be responsible for establishment of the production unit in the US.

The return of the manufacturing base to the US signifies a strategic step for Apple and is believed to play an imperative role in the US economy. Apple had in fact already released a statement a week ago that Macs worth a $100 million are slated to be produced. This investment will involve third parties in the manufacturing process.

The value of shipments alone of the Mac mini is expected to be 1.4 million units by the end of this year. This figure is an increase of 40% over the last year. The shipments are predicted to increase by another 30% by the end of 2013 with 1.8 million units expected to be sold owing to the upgrade in specification the unit received in October 2012. These figures were reported by Digitimes Research.

Quanta Computer is another original equipment manufacturer partner of Apple in the US. They have operating bases in Nashville, Tennessee as well as Fremont, California.

Apple has been known for its policy of being designed in America and made in China. Some believe this announcement to be a pure publicity gimmick. However, there are fundamental reasons behind this move; one being to bring in diversity in its sourcing footprint. The other reason would be to position the manufacturing base closer to where the research and development actually happens.