Corning to Create 1,000 NC Jobs in $6B Meta Data Center Expansion

Corning Inc. has announced a significant partnership with Meta Platforms, which aims to streamline the development of advanced data centers across the United States. This initiative, valued at $6 billion, is poised to create approximately 1,000 new jobs in North Carolina.

Expansion and Job Creation in North Carolina

As part of this expansion, Corning will enhance its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in its optical cable facility located in Hickory. This site, which is about an hour north of Charlotte, will primarily supply materials for Meta’s data center operations.

Details of the Partnership

• Investment: $6 billion to support data center development.
• Expected job growth: Nearly 1,000 new positions—an increase of 15% to 20% in Corning’s North Carolina workforce.
• Average salaries: Over $65,000 annually.
• Types of jobs: Roles will include scientists, engineers, and production teams.

Earlier this year, Corning had already announced plans to hire 132 new employees and invest between $170 million to $268 million in the Hickory facility. The facility will span almost 33 acres within the Trivium Corporate Center.

Significance of AI Infrastructure

The rise of artificial intelligence, particularly with models like ChatGPT, has driven a surge in demand for data centers. These operations require substantial computational power and advanced connectivity solutions. As a result, North Carolina is witnessing an influx of similar data center initiatives, despite mounting public concerns in various communities.

Corning’s Established Presence

Corning has a robust workforce in North Carolina, already employing over 5,000 personnel across various locations, including manufacturing facilities in Wilmington, Concord, Winston-Salem, and Newton. The company specializes in producing glass components essential for fiber-optic cables and communications equipment.

Wendell Weeks, Chairman and CEO of Corning, emphasized the importance of this partnership with Meta. He stated that the collaboration will not only bolster the company’s operational capabilities but also provide numerous job opportunities for the local community.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Corning and Meta marks a crucial step toward advancing the infrastructure needed for future technologies. It signals a flourishing opportunity for North Carolina, with potential job creation and economic growth at its core.