Corning and Meta Platforms have signed a multiyear agreement valued at up to $6 billion to accelerate the construction of advanced data centers in the United States to support Meta’s apps, technology roadmap, and AI initiatives. Corning will supply Meta with its latest optical fiber, cable, and connectivity products, engineered to meet the density and scale requirements of next-generation AI data centers.
A central component of the arrangement is a manufacturing expansion across Corning’s North Carolina operations, including a significant capacity increase at its optical cable facility in Hickory, where Meta is expected to serve as the anchor customer. Corning said the agreement also includes a new optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory in addition to broader production expansions in the state.
The companies framed the deal as part of a broader push to reinforce domestic supply chains for critical AI infrastructure components. Meta emphasized sourcing advanced technology produced in the US, while Corning positioned the expansion as a continuation of its strategy to innovate and manufacture key technologies domestically for high-performance connectivity.
Corning said the buildout is expected to support projected employment growth in North Carolina of 15 to 20 percent and to sustain a skilled workforce of more than 5,000 employees in the state, including teams tied to two of the world’s largest optical fiber and cable manufacturing facilities.
KEY QUOTES
“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. 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.”
Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Corning Incorporated
“Building the most advanced data centers in the U.S. requires world-class partners and American manufacturing. We’re proud to partner with Corning – a company with deep expertise in optical connectivity and commitment to domestic manufacturing – for the high-performance fiber optic cables our AI infrastructure needs. This collaboration will help create good-paying, skilled U.S. jobs, strengthen local economies, and help secure the U.S. lead in the global AI race.”
Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta
