Apple partner Foxconn invests $210M in new plant

Apple's primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, will invest $210 million to build a new factory in October, according to China Daily. The facility will be in China's eastern Jiangsu province and specifically serve Apple, local authorities told the publication on Monday. Related storiesApple, Dell, HP looking into Foxconn factory suicidesBuzz Out Loud 1237: Facebook privacy hangover (podcast)Buzz Out Loud 1238: Smell the light? (podcast) The growing popularity of Apple's products have driven suppliers such as Foxconn to expand their facilities to meet demand. Foxconn and Apple have faced criticism for the treatment of factory workers and the condition of the facilities. Apple and Foxconn have both vowed to improve conditions at Foxconn's factories.The plant will cover an area of 40,000 square meters and employ 35,800 workers, China Daily reported. In addition, the annual output value of the plan will reach $949 million to $1.1 billion, while the import and export value will be $55.8 million. It's unclear which components or products the factory will make. CNET contacted Foxconn and Apple for comment. We'll update the story once they respond.