Meta, USA, and Corning, USA, have entered into a multiyear, up to US$6 billion partnership designed to advance the construction of cutting-edge data center infrastructure across the United States. Under the agreement, Meta will source advanced optical fiber, cable, and connectivity products from Corning. To fulfill this commitment, Corning will significantly expand its production capabilities across North Carolina, USA.

“This long-term partnership with Meta reflects Corning’s commitment to develop, innovate and manufacture the critical technologies that power next-generation data centers here in the US,” said Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Corning Inc., in a press release announcing the agreement.

Support for AI

Meta cites the tremendous demand for fiber connectivity prompted by the growth of digital tools and generative AI, as well as its goal of “personalized superintelligence,” as the impetus for its plan to build and operate additional data centers. The company, which has 26 data centers either completed or under construction in the United States, says that it’s looking to create a domestic supply chain for the fiber optic cables essential for the facilities. In particular, its looking to “meet the density and scale demands” of advanced AI data centers.

“Building the most advanced data centers in the US requires world-class partners and American manufacturing,” said Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta. “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. This collaboration will help create good-paying, skilled US jobs, strengthen local economies, and help secure the US lead in the global AI race.”

Manufacturing and employment growth

To meet its part in the agreement, Corning will significantly increase its manufacturing operations across North Carolina. The growth includes including a major capacity expansion at its optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, NC, where Meta will serve as the anchor customer. When the expansion is completed, the Hickory facility will be one of the largest cable-manufacturing plants in the United States.

The agreement will support an increase in Corning’s employment levels in the state by 15 to 20% and help sustain a workforce of more than 5,000, including scientists, engineers and production teams. “Together with Meta, we’re strengthening domestic supply chains and helping ensure that advanced data centers are built using US innovation and advanced manufacturing,” said Weeks.