Apple (TNC Case Study)

What is the average wage in Foxconn City?

$150 - $200/month

Where was Apple placed on the Green Electronics Ranking?

11th in 2006, 6th by 2012

Why was Apple lured to produce in Ireland?

12.5% corporation tax (2n lowest in EU)

How many additional jobs has Apple's presence in Cork (indirectly) generated?

2,500

What are the working conditions like for Apple workers in the Shenzhen factory?

200,000 workers in the Shenzhen factory were reguarly working >60 hour weeks for $100/month. Sweatshop conditions also reported

How many workers are directly employed by Apple in Cork?

4,000

What happened in 2010 at one of Apple's subcontracted factories?

50 workers were poisoned by a toxic chemical. Most cases were settled out of court

What percentage of workers in Cork are Irish?

60% (mainly production line)

How many employees work for Apple full-time?

98,000

What is Apple Inc.?

A US transnational electronic technology corporation.

How have the tax practices of Apple in Ireland caused Issue?

EU commission and US senate claimed unfair treatments given to Apple by Irish government. Apple has been ordered to back-pay large amounts of Tax

How did Foxconn use student and child labour?

Employees U-18 subject to same working conditions as adults. University students also forced to work as a condition of graduating

What company does Apple outsource production to in China?

Foxconn

What is Apple's spatial organisation?

HQ + R&D in Cupertino (California), European HQ and production line in Cork, primary production line in Shenzhen (Outsourced)

How has Apple's presence helped Cork in terms of Infrastructure?

Improvements in infrastructure and an inspiration for local education

Was Suicide an issue at any of the Shenzhen factories?

In 2009/10, a total of 14 suicides occurred, largely as a result of severe working conditions

Why was Apple attracted to produce in China?

Low-cost and hard working labour, Special Economic Zone in Shenzhen provided numerous economic incentives

Why was Apple criticised in the Green Electronics Guide?

Reliance on non-renewable resources, use of toxic chemicals, water pollution and lack of recyclability of products

How much is Apple's global brand worth?

US$145 billion (number 1)

How much were Apple's total assets worth in 2014?

US$207 billion (11th largest TNC)

What is Apple's primary target market?

USA (44%), average age of 31, 58% gradutes