MacBook Air Parts Supplier Forced To Shut Down Over Pollution Concerns

Macbook Air buyers could be met with shortage issues in the near future after one of the company’s parts suppliers was forced to temporarily shut down part of their operations center this week over pollution concerns in eastern China.

Local government officials ordered the shutdown after residents complained of a foul odor coming from the complex.

Catcher Technology makes the casing for the MacBook Air and also supplies Smartphone components to various companies.

Speaking about the temporary shutdown Catcher Technologies president Allen Horng said:

“Shipments to our customers will inevitably be affected. We already asked them to make adjustments to their (casings) procurement.”

Horng also revealed that Catcher is not sure when they will be able to resume operations and that shipments from the company in October will be down by 20 percent and possibly by 40 percent in November.

The plant is partially functioning however government officials must inspect the facility before they can green light full production.

Apple customers should at least slightly feel the effects of the plants problems since Apple discontinued their plastic MacBook Air casings in 2010 following the success of the casings made by Catcher Technology.

According to Electronista:

The complaints may also reinforce allegations that Apple uses known polluters as suppliers. Apple has been resistant to address or even acknowledge the problem; the company has even refused to share the names of suppliers, despite many of them being well-known to analysts, NGOs and the media. Over 20 Apple suppliers are thought to be guilty of breaking environmental laws in recent years.

Considering the high cost of ownership associated with Apple products I personally think they need to look for company’s that follow more stringent pollution guidelines. Do you think Apple needs to be more responsible with how their products are made?