Apple's ongoing investigation into "sweatshop" allegations at the Foxconn plants that manufacture iPods is commendable, but building its own factory would remove the potential for poor working conditions. Writing for BusinessWeek Online, Arik Hesseldahl thinks that the best way for Apple to ensure good working conditions is to build its own manufacturing plant in China.

The company that Apple subcontracts iPod nano and shuffle manufacturing to, Foxconn, was recently accused of forcing employees to work long hours for sub-standard pay in its factories. Apple is currently auditing the factories to see if they meet its strict working condition guidelines.

With a factory of its own, Apple could avoid the bad publicity it is getting now. "An Apple factory built to accommodate good working standards in China would give the company total control over conditions, environmental practices, and all the other things that manufacturers like to brag about these days," Mr. Hesseldahl says. "It would erase any concerns - warranted or not - about worker exploitation there."

The strong position Apple holds in the technology arena puts it in a position set working condition standards.

Mr. Hesseldahl said "The industry follows Apple in how computers are made and personal electronics are designed. Apple should also set an example for how their products are made."