Corning and Meta partner to support US data centre expansion

Corning Incorporated and Meta Platforms have signed a multi-year agreement valued at up to $6 billion. The partnership is intended to support the development of advanced data centres in the United States to serve Meta's applications, technologies, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Corning will supply optical fibre, cable, and connectivity solutions to Meta. To meet this demand, Corning will expand its manufacturing operations in North Carolina, including additional capacity at its Hickory optical cable facility, where Meta will serve as the primary customer.

Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and CEO of Corning, noted that the investment will increase the company’s manufacturing footprint in North Carolina, support a 15 to 20 per cent increase in employment across the state, and maintain a workforce that includes scientists, engineers, and production staff. He added that the partnership aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and support US-based data centre construction.

Meta is expanding its development of data centres in the US and prioritising the use of domestically produced technology. 

“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.”

The agreement reflects a collaboration between Corning and Meta to advance US-based manufacturing and technology in data centre infrastructure.