I agree with your analysis but Apple may also be motivated by a desire to delay or diminish a competitor's ability to leverage a supplier's excess manufacturing capability.
This strategy assumes more risk by taking ownership of the capital equipment but it strengthens their negotiating position with the supplier considerably. The supplier is only leasing labor and would be more effectively barred from running a second or third shift in the same facility to create competitive products. For example, ownership of the capital equipment would allow for considerably more visibility into factory operations by virtue of maintenance and product test activities.
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I agree with your analysis but Apple may also be motivated by a desire to delay or diminish a competitor's ability to leverage a supplier's excess manufacturing capability.
This strategy assumes more risk by taking ownership of the capital equipment but it strengthens their negotiating position with the supplier considerably. The supplier is only leasing labor and would be more effectively barred from running a second or third shift in the same facility to create competitive products. For example, ownership of the capital equipment would allow for considerably more visibility into factory operations by virtue of maintenance and product test activities.