HICKORY, N.C. — Corning Inc. has announced plans to develop a new optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, about 58 miles northwest of Charlotte. The new plant is part of the New York-based tech manufacturing firm’s multi-year, up to $6 billion agreement with Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Meta will serve as the anchor client of the manufacturing facility. The agreement will help accelerate the build-out of advanced data centers to support Meta’s various apps and technologies, including its Llama AI platform. Under the agreement, Corning will supply Meta with “its newest innovations in optical fiber, cable and connectivity solutions.” The new factory and increased investment in Corning’s existing North Carolina footprint are expected to create 5,000 new jobs, including scientists, engineers and production teams. The initiative is expected to increase Corning’s employment in North Carolina by 15 to 20 percent. Back in October, Corning acquired 32.9 acres in Trivium Corporate Center, a 378-acre business park in Hickory, and agreed to invest $170 million to $267.9 million and create 132 jobs at the park.
