Hickory, North Carolina, January 28, 2026
Corning Incorporated is set to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities in Hickory and across North Carolina, following a landmark $6 billion deal with Meta Platforms. This agreement will enable Corning to supply fiber-optic cable essential for Meta’s AI data centers, which is projected to boost the local economy and create nearly 1,000 new jobs in the region. The collaboration represents a strategic move to strengthen North Carolina’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation in technology.
Hickory
Corning to Massively Expand North Carolina Operations Following Landmark $6 Billion Deal with Meta
Corning Incorporated is set to embark on a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Hickory and across North Carolina, driven by a new multi-year agreement worth up to $6 billion with Meta Platforms. This landmark deal positions Corning to supply fiber-optic cable essential for Meta’s ambitious buildout of AI data centers across the United States. The expansion is expected to provide a substantial boost to North Carolina’s economy and job market, projecting an increase in Corning’s employment levels in the state by 15% to 20%. This could translate to close to 1,000 new jobs.
Strategic Agreement Powers Future of AI Infrastructure
The multi-year agreement, announced recently, designates Corning as a critical supplier for Meta. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, will procure optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions to support its substantial investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. This partnership is designed to accelerate the construction and enhancement of Meta’s data centers nationwide. Corning’s Hickory cable plant, which opened in 2023, is slated to be an anchor customer site for this massive new deal, with Meta serving as the anchor customer for a new facility in Hickory. The collaboration underscores the growing demand for advanced optical connectivity as AI technologies become more integrated into daily operations and services.
Boosting North Carolina’s Manufacturing Footprint
To meet the considerable demand generated by the Meta agreement, Corning plans a significant expansion of its manufacturing capacity across its operations in North Carolina. This includes a major scale-up at its existing optical cable manufacturing operations in Hickory and other facilities across North Carolina. The expansion will lead to the creation of new, skilled jobs within the state, reinforcing North Carolina’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. The investment is projected to increase Corning’s employment levels in North Carolina by 15% to 20%, sustaining a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000 employees. Local communities, particularly in and around Hickory, are expected to benefit from the increased economic activity and employment opportunities that will arise from Corning’s enhanced operations. This move is a direct response to the need for a robust domestic supply chain capable of supporting the rapid deployment of next-generation data infrastructure.
Meta’s Vision for AI Data Centers
Meta’s decision to commit up to $6 billion to Corning for fiber-optic cables highlights its strategic focus on building robust infrastructure to support its advanced AI initiatives. The company has announced ambitious AI spending plans, and this deal provides a clear path for securing the necessary high-performance connectivity. Fiber-optic cables are fundamental for data centers due to their capacity for high-speed, high-bandwidth data transmission, which is crucial for the intensive processing demands of AI applications. By securing a long-term supply agreement with Corning, Meta aims to ensure the timely and efficient construction and upgrading of its data centers, which are the backbone of its AI and metaverse strategies. Meta has confirmed plans to build tens of gigawatts worth of compute capacity this decade, with a long-term goal of hundreds of gigawatts, to deliver “personal superintelligence to billions of people around the world”.
Corning’s Leadership in Optical Communications
Corning Incorporated, a global leader in materials science, has a long-standing history of innovation in optical communications. This deal with Meta further solidifies its position at the forefront of the industry, particularly in providing solutions for high-capacity networks. The company’s expertise in developing and manufacturing advanced fiber-optic technologies makes it a natural partner for companies like Meta that require reliable and scalable infrastructure. The investment by Meta validates Corning’s technological prowess and its ability to meet the demanding requirements of the burgeoning AI sector. The expansion in North Carolina represents a strategic investment by Corning to scale its capabilities and maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This ensures that the company can continue to deliver the critical components needed for global digital transformation, strengthening domestic supply chains and helping ensure advanced data centers are built using U.S. innovation and advanced manufacturing. Corning’s plans will also make the Hickory facility the largest fiber-optic plant in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the recent major announcement involving Corning?
- Corning Incorporated is undertaking a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Hickory and across North Carolina, following a multi-year agreement worth up to $6 billion with Meta Platforms. This deal focuses on supplying fiber-optic cable for Meta’s AI data centers across the United States.
- Where will Corning expand its manufacturing capabilities?
- Corning plans to significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities across its operations in North Carolina, including a significant capacity expansion at its optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory and other facilities within the state.
- What is the purpose of the agreement between Corning and Meta?
- The purpose of the agreement is for Corning to supply fiber-optic cables essential for Meta’s ambitious buildout of AI data centers across the United States. This partnership will accelerate the construction and enhancement of Meta’s data centers nationwide.
- How large is the deal between Corning and Meta?
- The multi-year agreement between Corning and Meta Platforms is worth up to $6 billion.
- What is the impact of this deal on North Carolina?
- The deal is expected to provide a substantial boost to North Carolina’s economy and job market. Corning’s expansion will lead to the creation of new jobs within the state, reinforcing North Carolina’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation.
Key Features of the Corning-Meta Agreement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Companies Involved | Corning Incorporated and Meta Platforms |
| Deal Value | Up to $6 billion |
| Product Supplied | Optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions |
| Purpose | Support Meta’s AI data center buildout across the United States |
| Primary Expansion Location | Hickory and other facilities across North Carolina |
| Economic Impact | Boost to North Carolina’s economy and job market; up to 15-20% increase in Corning’s NC employment |
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