Great news for Mesa and the entire East Valley!

Apple announced yesterday that it is coming to Mesa to create a manufacturing facility that will create about 2,000 jobs. Located at the former First Solar Inc. factory at Eastmark, the company plans to make high-tech glass for Apple products.

More than a year ago, DMB Associates collaborated with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the City of Mesa and others to bring another division of Apple to Arizona. Although a compelling vision for Eastmark was presented, Apple decided to locate that operation in Austin, Texas. A year later, in a remarkable turn of events, Apple will be coming to Eastmark.

This will be the first significant Arizona presence for Apple Inc., which purchased the former First Solar building for its supplier, GT Advanced Technologies Inc. Along with the 700+ quality jobs that will be created at the plant in the first year, it is anticipated that the project will generate 1,300 construction and associated jobs. 

The high-tech, green jobs that will be created represent thousands of new opportunities for residents in the East Valley and will create a massive economic impact for the region and the state.

Years ago, when Eastmark was in the early stages of planning, it was envisioned bringing world-class companies and employers like Apple to the area, creating a destination for high quality jobs and an employment core for the East Valley. Eastmark is thrilled to welcome Apple to Mesa – it will be a great complement to our other early partners, including BASIS Mesa and Grand Canyon University.

Learn more:
Arizona Republic – After years of false starts, Eastmark is ready for Apple

USA Today – Apple to buy plant in Arizona

AZ Family Video – Apple to open Phoenix-area plant, employ 700