> it's probably a good thing to have domestic advanced manufacturing if only to have real-world testbeds for development of advanced automation technology.

Yes, it's a good thing to have domestic advanced manufacturing, but this probably doesn't qualify.

According to the article, it's a site where they already assemble servers for Apple's own use, and will now start assembling Mac Minis as well. Electronics assembly is, for the most part, a pretty low-value part of the supply chain.

It's not nothing, but it pales in comparison to the scientific and technological sophistication and financial value of wafer fabs and IC test and packaging facilities. (I worked at Intel's flagship fabs in Oregon, and have worked as a consultant with other semi fabs around the world.)