Apple opens advanced manufacturing center in Houston, plans Mac Mini production this year

Apple inaugurated its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston on Thursday and announced that it will commence Mac mini production at the site later this year. The 20,000-square-foot facility functions as Apple's second manufacturing learning center in the United States, located within the existing Houston plant dedicated to constructing and delivering Apple's advanced artificial intelligence servers.

The center offers free education and training programs to small and medium-sized businesses, granting them access to production tools, interactive labs, and equipment.

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the opening via X, stating, "Our Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston is now open... We will begin manufacturing Mac mini this year! Great to meet some of the first attendees with Secretary of Commerce @howardlutnick."

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick also attended the opening, along with state and local representatives. He praised Apple's $600 billion commitment to America, noting, "Now the Mac mini will be made right here in Houston, Texas."

Apple's curriculum at the center comprises classroom instruction on assembly principles and design considerations for printed circuit board assembly, complemented by interactive workshops utilizing representative factory floor equipment. The initial group received training from Apple engineers on machine-learning-driven quality control, advanced automation, laser etching, and holographic tools. Subsequent training sessions will be extended to local college students.

In a separate statement, Tim Cook highlighted the significant investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into the Houston facility, which was established in less than nine months. He stated, "Today, we're thrilled to open our new Advanced Manufacturing Center, a place where businesses, workers, and students can learn the same innovative processes we use to make Apple's most groundbreaking products. And we're pleased to begin Mac mini production later this year."

The facility's opening attracted attention from elected officials in Texas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the state's role as the epicenter of American industry and innovation, while Senator Ted Cruz highlighted the potential for job creation and benefits for local communities and working families.