Made in the USA: Apple gives small manufacturers tips

Still no iPhone “Made in USA”: Apple still does not want to follow the wishes of the US government under Donald J. Trump and, despite the customs surcharge, prefer to continue building its smartphones in China or India. Nevertheless, the group is now increasingly committed to building manufacturing capacities in its homeland. Now Apple announced the start of a so -called Manufacturing Academy in the former autometropolis Detroit, which should take care of it specifically. The opening is planned for August 19 with a two -day event, it was said this week in one official notification.

Cooperation with Michigan State University

The educational institution is part of Apple’s 500 billion-US dollar investment plan in the next four years, which, however, critically eyed by analysts and partly described as “completely unrealistic”. With the Manufacturing Academy you are building up “in American innovations and advanced production” on existing investments, the group explains.

The academy is built up in cooperation with the Michigan State University (MSU). The aim is to invite small and medium-sized businesses from all over the USA to Detroit, where Apple experts are supposed to hold workshops. “The courses are intended to help American companies to pack the transition to more advanced production through the use of artificial intelligence and intelligent manufacturing techniques.”

Competencies relocated to China & Co.

This is exactly what is currently the problem: it is still cheaper to have in China and other countries of Asia produced because the structure of the supply chain is much easier there. The vertical integration of the finishing ensures that Apple does not have to worry about the provision of components – plus the fact that sufficient workers are available to screw the devices together. The reconstruction of a production in the USA therefore only has a chance if “intelligently” produced there – but according to experts, this can take many years.

One problem is that there are fewer and fewer experts in the United States to build up the factory capacity – from toolmakers to people who The production of injection molding shapes command. The latter are now usually ordered directly in China. Apple emphasizes that in addition to courses in Detroit, Consulting services for American companies will also be offered to increase productivity, efficiency and quality. In addition, a “virtual program” from the Academy is also planned later this year, where it should be about “central skills” such as project management or process optimization in production. A registration is On your own website the MSU possible.