Foxconn iPad Factory Reopens Following Investigation Into Explosion

By

foxconnoktop

Following an explosion on May 20th that killed 3 people and injured 15 others, Foxconn has today reopened its iPad 2 polishing workshops in Chengdu after an investigation into what caused the explosion has now been concluded.

In a statement published by All Things Digital, Foxconn revealed that the cause of the deadly explosion was an accumulation of combustible aluminum dust in a ventilation duct. The company has since addressed this problem and made changes to its ventilation systems and dust disposal policies:

While the investigation into the tragic explosion that took place at our facility in Chengdu is ongoing, we have addressed the preliminary finding, that the accident was likely due to an explosion of aluminum dust in a ventilation duct, by putting in place improvements in workshop ventilation, a total revamping of the policies and practices related to the disposal of that dust, and through the application of new technologies that will further enhance the safety in these workshops.

MacRumors notes that Foxconn’s Chengdu facility only opened late last year with the company “seeking diversify production away from its main facilities in Shenzhen, China.”

While the explosion will have undoubtedly impacted on the production of Apple’s iPad, analyst Brian White of Ticonderoga Securities reports that supply issues were already slowing production before the blast.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.