New Geography in Action Junior Cycle Geography CASE STUDY Light industry: Apple
Apple Computers Ltd is an example of a light industry. It is located in Hollyhill, Cork City. Manufacturing Apple products is one of the functions of the Cork headquarters.
Apple Apple produces information technology (IT) products such as computers, iPads, iPods and iPhones for the world market. The company currently employs 6,000 workers in the Cork City area. It first located in Cork in the 1980s and over the last number of years it has grown considerably due to its high-end range of products and the increasing demand for them. The Cork City plant is the operational headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
: Figure 8.13 A smartphone manufactured by Apple in Cork
Hollyhill Industrial Estate
Cork Port
Cork
University College Cork
Institute of Technology
Cork Airport : Figure 8.14 Location of the factory in Hollyhill Industrial Estate
) Figure 8.15 Inside the Apple factory Reasons for its location
• Corporation tax: Ireland’s low corporation tax encouraged Apple to locate here, and that continued low corporation tax has kept the company in place. The fact that Ireland is a member of the EU means Apple can locate its European headquarters here and make use of the free movement of goods.
• Transport: Its proximity to the Port of Cork and Cork Airport means goods can be shipped worldwide and at a lower cost.
• Labour force: Being close to University College Cork and the Cork Institute of Technology means there is a steady supply of skilled graduates available.
ACT VITY
There has been a lot of talk about Ireland’s low corporation tax in the news in recent years. Divide up into groups of three. Research the problems that can arise from low corporation tax rates in Ireland. Each group should outline their main findings to the class.
