One of the world’s largest cable and fiber manufacturers is making a massive investment in North Carolina, announcing plans to spend more than $1 billion on a major expansion that will create 385 new jobs in the Charlotte region.
Gov. Josh Stein announced Wednesday that Prysmian, a global leader in energy and digital connectivity solutions, will expand its operations in Catawba County (about 30 miles north of Charlotte).
“This billion-dollar investment is more proof that North Carolina is leading the way on innovation and job creation,” said Stein in a press release. “Companies understand the value of our highly skilled manufacturing workforce that helps to power their strategic growth.”
The project will add 385 new jobs and nearly 1 million square feet of manufacturing space as Prysmian expands its fiber optic production capabilities.
#News: Governor Stein announced today that @Prysmian_, a leading provider of solutions for energy & digital connections, will create 385 new jobs in Catawba County. The company will invest more than $1 billion to expand its fiber and glass manufacturing operations in Claremont. pic.twitter.com/ovworb7SCd
— N.C. Commerce (@NCCommerce) August 12, 2026
The $1 billion expansion includes construction of a new glass manufacturing facility that will vertically integrate production while upgrading existing buildings to double the plant’s fiber optic manufacturing capacity. In total, the company will add approximately 975,000 square feet to its current campus.
Founded in 1879, Prysmian operates more than 100 manufacturing plants across six continents, including over 50 locations and 9,000 employees throughout North America. The company supplies cable and fiber systems that support power grids, renewable energy projects and high-speed internet infrastructure around the world.
The new positions will pay an average annual salary of $60,870, exceeding Catawba County’s average wage of $56,937. State officials estimate the expansion will generate more than $23.4 million in annual payroll for the region.
To support the project, Prysmian could receive a $1 million performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The company must first invest at least $665 million and meet job creation targets before receiving any grant payments.
The announcement marks another major manufacturing win for the Charlotte region, reinforcing western North Carolina’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and fiber optic production.
