UK, 27 January 2026 — Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) today announced a multi-year agreement of up to $6 billion to accelerate the build-out of the most advanced data centres in the United States to support Meta’s apps, technologies and AI ambitions. Under the agreement, Corning will supply Meta with its latest innovations in optical fibre, cable and connectivity solutions. To support this, Corning will expand manufacturing capabilities across its operations in North Carolina — including a significant capacity expansion at its optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, where Meta will serve as the anchor customer.
“This long-term partnership with Meta reflects Corning’s commitment to develop, innovate and manufacture the critical technologies that power next-generation data centres here in the US,” said Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Corning Incorporated. “The investment will expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina, support an increase in Corning’s employment levels in the state of 15 to 20 per cent, and help sustain a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000 people — including the scientists, engineers and production teams at two of the world’s largest optical fibre and cable manufacturing facilities. Together with Meta, we are strengthening domestic supply chains and helping to ensure that advanced data centres are built using US innovation and advanced manufacturing.”
Meta is expanding its commitment to build industry-leading data centres in the US and to source advanced technology manufactured domestically.
“Building the most advanced data centres in the US requires world-class partners and American manufacturing,” said Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta. “We are proud to partner with Corning — a company with deep expertise in optical connectivity and a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing — to supply the high-performance fibre optic cables our AI infrastructure requires. This collaboration will help create well-paid, skilled jobs in the US, strengthen local economies and help secure the US lead in the global AI race.”
Key elements of the agreement
- Multi-year commitment of up to $6 billion
- Corning to supply the latest-generation optical fibre, cable and connectivity products designed to meet the density and scale requirements of advanced AI data centres
- New optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, North Carolina, alongside expanded production capacity across Corning’s North Carolina operations
- The agreement supports Corning’s projected employment growth in North Carolina of 15 to 20 per cent, sustaining a skilled workforce of more than 5,000 employees in the state, including thousands of jobs linked to two of the world’s largest optical fibre and cable manufacturing facilities
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning’s capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping its customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning’s markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.