# Apple expands iPhone glass plant in Kentucky 200 permanent jobs to be created - **Source:** [AppleInsider News](https://brifing.si/source/4f063a0c-06a9-46c3-84ea-633b4d4b1a4f) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3f032869-8d64-4d85-8eb5-d66170b2f9bd ## Kentucky glass hub grows Apple plans to expand its Harrodsburg glass facility to produce all iPhone and Apple Watch glass. The plant has supplied Apple for 20 years. A $2.5 billion additional investment was made in 2023. The expansion will create hundreds of both permanent and temporary new jobs in the region. ## Employment target to double Apple COO Sabih Khan and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick toured Corning Inc. facilities. The company aims to double its current workforce. Production capacity will triple with new investments. This move will significantly boost the local job market. ## Supply chain localization Apple's decision to manufacture all iPhone glass at one facility aligns with global supply chain restructuring trends. The Kentucky investment is part of Apple's strategy to increase US manufacturing capacity. Corning's specialty glass technologies play a critical role in Apple products. ## Regional economic impact The Harrodsburg expansion project offers significant economic development opportunities for Kentucky. Besides 200 new permanent positions, temporary jobs will be created in construction and logistics. State officials strongly support these investments. ## Corning-Apple partnership Corning Inc. develops custom glass formulations for Apple's specific needs. Their Gorilla Glass technology enhances iPhone screen durability. The 20-year collaboration between the two companies strengthens further with this new investment. ## Increased production automation The expanded facility will utilize AI-powered manufacturing systems. This will improve both efficiency and product quality. Apple mandates sustainable production standards across its suppliers. The plant's energy efficiency will also be enhanced. ## Global competition strategy Apple's increased US manufacturing capacity aims to balance supply chain risks in China. The Kentucky investment is part of the company's geographical diversification policy. It also seeks to benefit from government incentives. ## Model for tech industry This investment coincides with tech giants restructuring their supply chains. Apple's local manufacturing move could set an example for other companies. Kentucky is becoming a hub for high-tech manufacturing. ## Sources covering this story - https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/08/28/apples-kentucky-iphone-glass-plant-will-add-200-permanent-jobs?utm_source=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._