Propelling the world with optical fiber and microchips
In 2022, Corning stepped up manufacturing capacity to help meet the world’s high-tech needs.
What’s the driving force behind both high-speed internet and the tiny microchips that power our everyday devices?
Glass.
But not just any glass. Telecommunications networks – including the internet – and the microchip-making semiconductor industry require specific compositions of glass, crafted from innovative processes pioneered at Corning.
Despite 2022’s disruptions, our vital technologies have been pushing what’s possible in these two critical areas. Our high-speed optical fiber is helping connect the unconnected to new opportunities. And Corning-produced glass and instruments needed for semiconductor production have contributed to a smarter world with ever-smaller devices.
Recent investments in manufacturing will help us even better serve customers – and society – for decades to come. Here’s a glimpse of some of our latest major projects.
Announced a new cable facility in Arizona
Mike Bell, senior vice president and general manager, Optical Communications, and Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer, Corning, celebrate the announcement of Corning’s new location in Gilbert, Arizona.
The U.S. government dedicated $42 billion to its plan of expanding broadband earlier this year, and Corning Optical Communications is ready to support the mission. Our facility in Gilbert, Arizona, scheduled to open in 2024, will create the cable essential to connecting unserved Americans with the life-changing power of the internet. President Joe Biden praised Corning’s investment in cable manufacturing, noting how our work will help, “ensure that everyone has access to high-speed internet.”
Opened an optical fiber plant in Poland
The Mszczonów plant opens new opportunities for people in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
More communities across the globe will have high-speed connectivity with the opening of Corning Optical Communications' facility in Mszczonów, Poland. As network operators in Europe invest in broadband expansion, we’re in the early stages of a multi-year wave of growth for networks built on fiber – a Corning invention – with virtually unlimited bandwidth.
“Corning is expanding its fiber manufacturing operations in Europe as our customers accelerate investments in future-ready networks,” said Wendell P. Weeks, Corning’s chairman and chief executive officer. “From broadband to 5G to cloud computing, tomorrow’s networks all depend on optical fiber. This facility will ensure we can continue to efficiently serve our customers in Europe and beyond. We appreciate the support of state and local officials, and the dedication of our skilled workforce.”
Expanded manufacturing in Fairport to support growing semiconductor industry
The semiconductor industry will get a boost from the manufacturing expansion at Corning’s Fairport facility.
The need for microchips is greater than ever, and Corning’s expansion in Fairport, New York, rises to the occasion. "Semiconductors are fundamental to virtually all technology we interact with today, from smartphones, to cars, to household appliances," Weeks said during an announcement ceremony with state and federal officials. Following years of Corning’s historic advancement of the semiconductor industry, the expansion will support nearly every step of the chip manufacturing process – glass wafers, metrology, and lithography instruments.
Increased capabilities to support semiconductor manufacturing
Corning® HPFS® Fused Silica glass cores are extracted from a boule. The HPFS® cores will then be sliced into thin wafers for optical glass wafer applications. © Christopher Payne /Estos.
Corning’s factory in Canton, New York, has been meeting the needs of Advanced Optics customers for decades, but as the world gets smarter, everyday devices like phones, cars, and kitchen appliances require more microchips. With that in mind, the team has been increasing its manufacturing capacity to better serve the world.
