2 killed at Foxconn factory

Glenn · May 21, 2011, 11:42:16

2 workers from the Foxconn factory have been killed after an explosion, possibly caused by dust from the manufacturing process for iPad2.

http://micgadget.com/12651/breaking-foxconn-chengdu-manufacture-plant-explosion-video/

Simon · May 21, 2011, 11:47:34

That's not good.

Gary · May 21, 2011, 11:48:36

Quote from: Simon on May 21, 2011, 11:47:34
That's not good.

I know, they need more workers not less

A lot of powders explode though, I remember making custard powder bombs at school.

Rik · May 21, 2011, 12:28:23

Didn't they have a problem with a high suicide rate among workers?

Den · May 21, 2011, 12:57:07

The working conditions there are so bad that it's not surprising that this has happened. After reading on how the workers at the iPad factory are treated (16 hour days for less than £6/day and not allowed to sit down) I would not have one if they were giving them away and Apple should be ashamed of them selves.

Rik · May 21, 2011, 13:02:42

Ultimately, Den, the only way we can improve their lot is to do as you suggest. Sadly, I don't think enough people will to force Apple to act.

Gary · May 21, 2011, 13:43:25

Quote from: Den on May 21, 2011, 12:57:07
The working conditions there are so bad that it's not surprising that this has happened. After reading on how the workers at the iPad factory are treated (16 hour days for less than £6/day and not allowed to sit down) I would not have one if they were giving them away and Apple should be ashamed of them selves.

Den Its not just Apple, its Sony, HP and Nintendo to name just a few, Foxconn is a company that makes components its not owned by Apple, but because Apple are a big brand it gets better media headlines to mention them shock horror

so throw your gadgets in the bin. As far as Apple and the others they do try and monitor conditions, Apple shut down two that used child labour, but ultimately its the consumer killing them, not the company's, if people did not want big TV's, computers, Hardrives, gaming devices etc the list goes on, then these people would not have to work so hard, anyone who owns any modern gadget made in China probably has blood on their hands if you think about it

Glenn · May 21, 2011, 14:02:13

Gary is right Dell and HP use Foxconn to produce some of their systemboards too.

Den · May 21, 2011, 14:06:34

The problem in this country is that we have given away our manufacturing base and we want to pay the cheepest price for everything so will buy products, clothes etc' without questioning where they are made and under what conditions as long as we have a bargain.

Gary · May 21, 2011, 14:09:32

Quote from: Den on May 21, 2011, 14:06:34
The problem in this country is that we have given away our manufacturing base and we want to pay the cheepest price for everything so will buy products, clothes etc' without questioning where they are made and under what conditions as long as we have a bargain.

Very true Den, thing is most of the world thinks like this, and as long as there is a market for the goods not a lot will change.

Gary · May 21, 2011, 14:12:50

The fact that a Motherboards from China shipped by plane and rail is cheaper than making them in your own country has always made me do a double take, I guess the UK is not that desperate for work...that may change soon.

pctech · May 21, 2011, 18:35:56

The most innovative computer company we had, Apricot, was bought up by Mitsubishi Electric.

We do still have ARM holdings though, who design chips for phones although they don't manufacture them sadly.

Companies like Motorola had plants in places like Scotland but closed them down because they were too expensive to run.

Tacitus · May 22, 2011, 08:53:44

Quote from: pctech on May 21, 2011, 18:35:56
We do still have ARM holdings though, who design chips for phones although they don't manufacture them sadly.

I wouldn't put much money on ARM remaining in Britain. AFAIK there's nothing to prevent a foreign bidder from taking them over, no doubt with suitable *guarantees* the same as the ones Cadburys got. We still don't have the ability to define some companies as being in our strategic interests, with government power to block a foreign take over.