Apple supplier faces pollution complaints in China

(AP) -- A Taiwan-based company that supplies metal casings for Apple's Inc.'s MacBook series of laptops says it is shutting down some operations at its factory complex in eastern China following complaints of bad odors by residents.

Catcher Technology Chairman Hung Shui-shu told reporters late Monday that Chinese authorities had ordered the company to close down some production lines in Suzhou city for inspection.

Hung said the shutdown may halt up to 40 percent of production. Catcher also supplies cellphone casings for HTC Corp. and other global brands.

With environmental concerns rising, Chinese authorities are forced to take action to curtail the country's massive industrial pollution.

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