Foxconn, the top assembler of Apple and Microsoft products, is looking into building a new factory for displays in China.
People with knowledge of the situation said preliminary talks are currently going on between Foxconn and Zhengzhou officials in north central China about the plant, according to CNET.
While no definite investment has been established, it could be as high as $5.7 billion, making it the biggest investment Foxconn has ever made.
The factory would provide a more diverse source of phone screens for Apple, which currently relies on Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display as suppliers for displays, The Wall Street Journal reported.
"Foxconn hopes to capture the growing demand for high-resolution, energy-efficient displays and supply Apple and other smartphone makers in the next few years," one of the sources said.
The plant is the latest investment that Foxconn has been looking into, others including the construction of a manufacturing plant for phones in Indonesia. CEO Terry Gou said in a visit to Jakarta in February that he was willing to put $1 billion in the factory's construction.
Foxconn currently has over 10 manufacturing sites in China, with one already in Zhengshou, The Wall Street Journal reported. The Zhengzhou plant assembles iPhones, metal casings and other parts, and has hired more workers thanks to the growing demand for iPhones with bigger screens.
The factory is aimed at producing screens for several smartphone makers, with Apple at the top of the list, CNET reported.
Foxconn has yet to respond to a request for comment.
