Almost exactly a year after Apple announced its 250,000-square-foot AI server factory in Houston, the tech giant has revealed that Houston will act as the basis of its first-ever, U.S.-based production of Mac minis.
“Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we’re proud to significantly expand our footprint in Houston with the production of Mac mini starting later this year,” said Apple CEO, Tim Cook, in a press release. “We began shipping advanced AI servers from Houston ahead of schedule, and we’re excited to accelerate that work even further.”
The Mac mini is a popular Apple laptop model, one used by various demographics for the past 20 years. Since then, Foxconn based in China has been the predominant hub for Mac mini production. Over the years, the company has also set up overseas facilities in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The company will continue its production of Mac minis in Asia, while its Houston facility will manage assembly for the domestic market.
The company stated that production of the laptop will effectively double the size of its manufacturing site in Houston at Fairbanks Logistic Park. Previously, Apple began producing AI servers in Houston. Furthermore, the company plans to open a separate 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston later this year. This facility, called the Advanced Manufacturing Center, will be dedicated to providing training for parties interested in the company’s manufacturing processes.
Apple claims that the expanded production would altogether bring thousands of jobs to the city.
As stated in the press release, its expanded Houston production serves as part of the company’s larger initiative of investing $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. Strategically, the investment in domestic supply chains could potentially mitigate tariff risks associated with overseas production.