Corning and Meta have announced a multiyear agreement worth up to $6 billion for Corning to supply Meta with “newest innovations in optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions” aimed at accelerating the buildout of advanced data centers in the US to support Meta’s apps, technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions.
Corning says the agreement covers “latest generation optical fiber, cable and connectivity products designed to meet the density and scale demands of advanced AI data centers.” The announcement positions the supply deal as a core input to Meta’s AI infrastructure buildout, specifically around high-performance fiber-optic cabling and related connectivity hardware.
To support the program, Corning says it will expand manufacturing capabilities across its North Carolina operations, including “a significant capacity expansion” at its optical-cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, North Carolina, where Meta will serve as the anchor customer. Corning also lists a “new optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, North Carolina,” alongside expanded production capacity across its North Carolina footprint.
Corning says the agreement supports projected employment growth in North Carolina of 15 to 20 percent and is expected to sustain “a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000” in the state, including roles tied to “two of the world’s largest optical fiber and cable manufacturing facilities.”
Meta frames the deal as part of its push to build “industry-leading data centers in the U.S.” and to source advanced technology made domestically. “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,” said Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta. “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.”
Source: Corning
