Apple has reportedly made a huge investment in one of its suppliers to further help it develop new technologies for its iPhones and other devices. The Cupertino-based tech giant announced on Tuesday that it has awarded around $250 million to Corning Inc to support its work on developing new strengthened glass technology.
Corning, the company famous for developing and manufacturing Gorilla Glass often found in high-end smartphones and gadgets, was granted the $250 million award on top of other funds it had already received from Apple. In 2017, Apple gave the glass and ceramic tech company $200 million as part of its Advanced Manufacturing Fund.
According to Apple, the additional fund it has given the company is a necessary investment to help it develop next-generation technologies for its future consumer devices. Corning is currently one of Apple biggest suppliers, providing it with advanced scratch-resistant glass since the first iPhone was released in 2007.
The company manufactures its strengthened glass, which is now in its sixth generation, as its facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The company's products are also used on Apple's other devices such as its iPads and Apple Watches.
Apple's Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams mentioned in a press release that the award granted to Corning in just another step in the companies' partnership to revolutionize glass technology. Williams also reiterated both companies' long and rich history, which dates back more than a decade.
Corning's chairman and CEO, Wendell Weeks, mentioned that his company will be using the funds to further develop "groundbreaking" glass innovations for future devices and Apple products. The executive also stated that part of the funds will be used to expand the company's manufacturing capabilities.
Weeks is apparently hopeful that the companies' continued collaboration will push the technological boundaries even further to provide new capabilities for end-users. Corning currently employs around 400 people in its development and manufacturing plants in Harrodsburg.
The company's facility in the state is one of its longest-running US-based factories. The company was originally founded in 1851, more than 168 years ago, and was originally called Corning Glass Works until 1989.
Corning, which has been part of the central Kentucky community for the past 65 years, got its big break when Apple CEO Steve Jobs made a huge order for their scratch-resistant glass. Jobs reportedly wanted to replace the original plastic screen on its first iPhone with strengthened glass. Corning was then given the order for its glass just months before the first iPhone was launched.
