Corning and Meta just announced plans for a new $6 billion project in North Carolina, bringing up to 1,000 new jobs in our state.
Under the new plan, Corning will supply Meta with advanced optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions for the growing network of data centers around the country. To supply the contract, Corning will significantly expand their advanced manufacturing capabilities across North Carolina.
“This long-term partnership with Meta reflects Corning’s commitment to develop, innovate, and manufacture the critical technologies that power next-generation data centers here in the U.S.,” said Corning CEO Wendell P. Weeks in a press release. “The investment will expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina, support an increase in Corning’s employment levels in the state by 15 to 20 percent, and help sustain a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000 — including the scientists, engineers, and production teams at two of the world’s largest optical fiber and cable manufacturing facilities. Together with Meta, we’re strengthening domestic supply chains and helping ensure that advanced data centers are built using U.S. innovation and advanced manufacturing.”
Investors reacted quickly. Corning shares jumped about 15.6% Tuesday to a new 52-week high after the announcement. The stock has also more than doubled over the past year as data-center cable demand surged.
Corning says the expansion reflects rising demand for high-capacity fiber infrastructure, driven by cloud computing and accelerated AI development.
