According to a Taiwanese website, there is a report in the Chinese Economic Times newspaper, Apple is trying to speed up production in order to launch the iPad 3 on Steve Job’s birthday anniversary on Feb. 24.

The newspaper based their report on sources close to Tawainese maker in the Apple supply chain.

After the iPhone 4S successfully took the tech market by storm, the iPad3 is widely expected to be Apple’s first hit product to be released next year. Industry sources said the first shipment of the iPad3 could exceed 4 million units. Because it is a new gadget, it is taking time for makers in the supply chain to raise their yield rates. The sources said all OEM and ODM makers have exercised great caution in ensuring the smooth operations of their production lines.

The original iPad was introduced on Jan. 27, 2010 by Apple’s former CEO Steve Jobs. In order to meet the deadline, it is reported that Asian component makers and contract manufacturers are ordering that employees work through the Lunar New Year holiday. This February 24 launch date is referring to an availability vs an introduction date as Deb 24. is a Friday. Apple typically releases their major products on Fridays.

From 9to5Mac:

Foxconn, Apple’s favorite contract manufacturer, is reportedly asking employees at its iPad division to only take five days off during the Lunar New Year holiday. Catcher Technology, a rumored maker of iPad 3′s case, reportedly said “at least some of its employees will have to work overtime during the Lunar New Year holiday.” Battery maker Simplo Technology, connector maker Amer International Group and optical lens supplier Genius Electronic Optical are all believed to have asked employees involved in the project to shorten their holiday.

Do you believe this slightly questionable report that the iPad 3 will be released on Job’s birthday?