GT Advanced Technologies’ filing this week for a closed hearing was to request court permission to close its Mesa, AZ sapphire plant.
Sapphire crystal maker GT Advanced Technologies, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this week, has asked the court’s permission to “wind down” operations at its manufacturing plant, less than a year after announcing a high-profile deal to supply the material to Apple.
The company is believed to have failed to meet Apple’s requirements for sapphire displays for use in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. It’s not known if the issue was related to quality, or volume of product.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Henry Boroff has set a hearing for Oct. 15 in Springfield, Mass., to consider the motion.
While the bankruptcy of GT Advanced is unlikely to affect any plans Apple has for sapphire glass for use on its upcoming Apple Watch – Apple has access to other suppliers – It could affect any plans the company may have for use of the über-hard glass in future models of the iPhone.
