According to several news reports, tech giant Apple probably has plans underway to manufacture the main processors of its popular smartphone and tablet devices – the iPhone and the iPad - at the GlobalFoundries computer chip factory in Malta. Reports also say that the company is already in the process of negotiations for investment in the GlobalFoundries facility.

Two high-tech websites which follow Apple closely - CNET. com and SemiAccurate. com – have revealed in their recent reports that Apple and GlobalFoundries are close to inking a deal on a manufacturing partnership, which will give Apple greater control over its chip-making process.

Amid fervent reports of a possible manufacturing partnership between Apple and GlobalFoundries, Senator Chuck Schumer has said in a statement that he has been working behind the scenes to foster a team-up of the two tech companies.

On Monday, Schumer said GlobalFoundries CEO Ajit Manocha had approached him some months back to help the company develop a "stronger relationship" with Apple, which has been trying to do more of its manufacturing in the US, especially after media coverage on poor working conditions at its Chinese plants.

Disclosing that he has been “urging Apple to consider developing a manufacturing and research partnership with GlobalFoundries,” Schumer said: “This would be show-stopping news in the Capital Region, and I am doing everything I can to make this a reality.”