Apple @ Work is proudly sponsored by Mosyle, the premier Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the singular solution that combines all the professional-grade tools necessary to efficiently and automatically deploy, manage, and safeguard Apple devices in the workplace. With over 45,000 organizations relying on Mosyle, millions of Apple devices are made work-ready effortlessly and affordably.Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today to discover why Mosyle is essential for working with Apple products.
Within the Apple ecosystem, many enthusiasts prefer the latest iPhones, iPads, and Macs. If you’re swapping an old iPhone through a carrier, have you ever wondered about its next chapter? Particularly in recent years, older iPhones still hold significant value for new users. I recently spoke with the Assurant team to explore their innovative facilities.
When trading in a device, it’s tempting to think that’s where the story ends, but that’s merely the starting point. Behind the scenes, companies like Assurant play a pivotal role in revitalizing your old technology. Their latest facility, a sprawling 259,000-square-foot Innovation and Device Care Center located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, reflects the scale and sophistication of modern device lifecycle management.
Assurant’s new center in the Nashville area, which effectively doubles the size of their previous operation in La Vergne, is designed to handle and repurpose millions of devices each year. Approximately 800 employees work at this facility to test, refurbish, and prepare devices for new owners, or responsibly recycle them when repair isn’t feasible. In 2023, their efforts contributed to preventing 1.16 million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. This demonstrates a significant environmental impact from devices that might have otherwise been discarded.
Once a device reaches Assurant’s “Device Care Center,” it undergoes a series of precisely designed processes, many powered by artificial intelligence and automation. A skilled team of engineers operates on-site, continually enhancing these systems with robotics and machine learning to boost both efficiency and quality. From diagnostics and software wipes to component replacements and more, each phase is part of a streamlined workflow aimed at giving devices a new lease on life, often extending their usability for years.
“While others may choose to outsource, this new facility reflects our commitment to innovative technologies and our workforce, enabling continuous improvement in experiences for both customers and employees by managing every aspect of the process,” said Biju Nair, EVP and president of Global Connected Living and International. “These investments, paired with our talented team, enhance sustainability within the connected device ecosystem by efficiently serving the global secondary device market.”
“Located centrally and in proximity to our state’s capital, Mt. Juliet is strategically positioned to support Assurant along with the launch of its new Innovation and Device Care Center,” stated Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Assurant will gain from Nashville’s robust tech talent pool and the support of premier research institutions, coupled with the local resources essential for continued growth in Wilson County. We appreciate Assurant’s decision to remain in Tennessee, and we eagerly anticipate the success that will follow today’s grand opening.”
However, Assurant’s focus extends beyond refurbishment; they are also significantly investing in the future of the Tennessee region. The company’s $100,000 grant to Middle Tennessee State University will assist in establishing the Assurant Engineering Innovation Lab, which aims to educate future engineers in the fields of mechatronics and automation. This investment underscores the ongoing transition toward a circular economy in technology, where sustaining devices in circulation for as long as possible serves both business interests and environmental goals.
Thus, the next time you trade in an iPhone or iPad, remember that it is likely headed to a facility like Assurant’s repair center, where it receives a new opportunity to support someone else’s work—or at the very least, contribute to reducing waste on our planet.
Apple @ Work is proudly sponsored by Mosyle, the premier Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the singular solution that combines all the professional-grade tools necessary to efficiently and automatically deploy, manage, and safeguard Apple devices in the workplace. With over 45,000 organizations relying on Mosyle, millions of Apple devices are made work-ready effortlessly and affordably.Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today to discover why Mosyle is essential for working with Apple products.
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