Taiwan-based ODM Quanta Computer has begun volume production of the new 12-inch MacBook Air, paving the way for Apple to launch the device in the first quarter of 2015, according to sources at Taiwan-based supply chain.

Quanta has stepped up efforts to recruit more workers in order to ramp up the production, revealed the sources.

Since Quanta has also landed orders for production of Apple Watch, Quanta plans to hire an additional of 30,000 workers in the first quarter of 2015, which is unusual and also difficult due to the approach of the traditional Lunar New Year holidays, said the sources.

The new MacBook Air, which is expected to come with a 12-inch Retina screen, is likely to replace the existing 11-inch MacBook Air, while the 13-inch MacBook Air will continue running, the sources disclosed.

Quanta declined to comment about its clients or orders.