Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) CEO Cook: The $600 billion US manufacturing plan will trigger a "domino effect", benefiting 79 factories across America.

Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook gave an interview on Monday, outlining the company's commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing and pointing out that the new factories will bring more business opportunities to the local community. "We can't cover all areas, although I wish we could, but over the next four years, we will invest $600 billion in this plan," Cook said. "This is an extraordinary commitment. 79 factories across America will benefit from it." Cook also revealed that Apple Inc.'s factory-building plans could inspire other companies to establish factories in these communities, creating a "domino effect." He also mentioned that for communities that are not yet aware of Apple Inc.'s presence, there will be "pleasant surprises" in the future. In the interview, Cook emphasized a recent decision by Apple Inc: investing $2.5 billion to deepen its partnership with Corning Inc and help expand its glass manufacturing facility in Kentucky. Apple Inc. previously stated that the factory will provide glass panels for all iPhones and Apple Watches. Cook described the investment in Corning Inc as "a good and crucial start, as glass is the interface element that users interact with all the time." Overall, Apple Inc. has committed to investing up to $600 billion in the next four years to drive the development of the U.S. domestic manufacturing industry. The iPhone manufacturer has also announced plans to collaborate with several companies to help expand the U.S. domestic semiconductor industry, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Sponsored ADR, Texas Instruments Incorporated, and Applied Materials. Cook also mentioned that Apple Inc. is playing a role in training employees for these factories, specifically mentioning the newly established Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Cook stated that Apple Inc. aims to support small and medium-sized businesses and share the curriculum of the academy with community colleges. In response to potential shareholder questioning about the significant investment, Cook stated that he has not received any objections so far. He believes that most shareholders support Apple Inc.'s strategic direction of "investing in America." "Our shareholders believe that the company is best positioned to make wise decisions," Cook said. "So far, I have not received any complaints about this $600 billion investment."