Apple is expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a new Houston center designed to help bolster American manufacturing with education and resources.

On Thursday, Apple opened its 20,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) in Houston, Texas. The center is offering free training for small and medium-sized businesses.

The AMC is housed in the same facility that produces Apple's AI servers. The site is also set to begin Mac mini production in late 2026.

Apple has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the project, bringing it to fruition in less than nine months.

"We believe in American workers and American ingenuity, and we are moving at an incredible pace because we want to build more than great products. We want to build the future of American manufacturing," said Cook.

As part of the kickoff event, Apple hosted U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, U.S. Representative Christian Menefee, and Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, along with other officials and community partners.

"Houston is grateful to Apple for this significant investment in our city. The Advanced Manufacturing Center will create local jobs and will continue improving the quality of life of Houston residents," Houston Mayor John Whitmire said of the opening.

"The AMC also recognizes our city as a growing technology hub and solidifies Houston's leadership in the manufacturing sector of the United States."

Three people stand around a large, futuristic interactive display table with glowing blue and purple lighting, viewing a digital architectural model in a modern, minimalistic room

The AMC's holographic table - Image Credit: Apple

To mark the opening, the business leaders will spend the day immersed in hands-on training. Apple engineers will cover techniques like machine-learning-driven quality control and advanced automation.

Participants will learn how to identify and adapt to production challenges. They will also engage with the lab's holographic table and advanced factory-floor equipment.

"I am proud that Apple chose Harris County for this investment. My office has consistently fought to bring good jobs within reach of working people and ensure small businesses — especially those historically shut out — have a fair opportunity to compete and grow," said Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis.

"At a time when rising costs are squeezing families here and across the country, this new center can help create pathways to greater economic security."

The site is Apple's second-largest manufacturing site in the U.S. The first is Apple's Manufacturing Academy in Detroit.

Since announcing the $600 billion commitment in 2025, Apple and its American Manufacturing Partners have invested reshoring a portion its manufacturing. This includes custom silicon, cover glass, and advanced components.