Investing in American manufacturing to build the infrastructure for AI

Construction is officially underway on a major expansion of optical cable manufacturing in Hickory, North Carolina — a milestone in our partnership with Corning to help build the next generation of AI data centers using technology developed and manufactured right here in the United States.

In January, we announced a multiyear agreement with Corning worth up to $6 billion to accelerate the buildout of advanced data centers across the United States and support our technologies and programs. The groundbreaking on March 31st in Hickory marks a critical next step in bringing that vision to life. Under the agreement, Corning will supply Meta with its newest innovations in optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions — the high-performance infrastructure that makes AI possible. Meta will serve as the anchor customer for the new Hickory facility, which will produce the optical cable critical to our growing AI infrastructure.

A partnership rooted in North Carolina

Our roots in North Carolina run deep. We broke ground on our Forest City Data Center in November 2010, making it one of our first data center campuses. Since then, our investment in the state has grown to more than $750 million. Our partnership with Corning builds on this longstanding commitment to North Carolina and its communities.

North Carolina has been central to Corning’s optical manufacturing leadership for decades. As Corning celebrates its 175th year, this expansion reinforces the state’s role as a manufacturing hub for optical fiber and cable — the essential building blocks of modern data center connectivity.

“Today we are breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in a critical next step for strengthening the domestic supply chain for AI data centers,” said Hal Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, Corning Incorporated. “Our expansion here in Hickory also opens a new chapter in our longstanding partnership with Meta.”

Together, Meta and Corning are strengthening American data center infrastructure and driving AI innovation. We are proud that North Carolina continues to be at the heart of it all, and we look forward to this partnership continuing to create opportunities for communities across the state.

Strengthening domestic manufacturing

By sourcing fiber optic cables from Corning — one of the nation’s leading fiber optic manufacturers — we are supporting advanced manufacturing in the U.S. and helping ensure America remains competitive in the global AI race. Corning currently employs more than 5,000 people across North Carolina, and this expansion could increase the company’s employment levels in the state by 15 to 20 percent. That means more good-paying jobs for North Carolina families and a stronger foundation for the communities where Corning operates.

“As America advances its lead in AI, the infrastructure we build today will determine whether we stay ahead tomorrow,” said Dan Sachs, Meta Vice President of Public Policy — State and Local. 

“High-performance connectivity is at the heart of this work. Our partnership with Corning supports our goal of strengthening domestic manufacturing, supporting good jobs in North Carolina, and building a foundation for the next era of American innovation.”

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