Meta signs up to $6bn fibre optic deal with Corning
Long-term supply agreement to support AI infrastructure and expand US manufacturing
Meta has signed a supply agreement worth up to $6 billion with Corning, the glass and materials science group, to secure fibre-optic cables for its data centres and back the expansion of Corning’s manufacturing base in North Carolina.
The multi-year deal will support a significant increase in capacity at Corning’s Trivium Corporate Center in Catawba County, as well as operations across its wider US network.
Joel Kaplan, chief global affairs officer at Meta, said, “Building the most advanced data centers in the US requires world-class partners and American manufacturing. 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.”
He added, “This collaboration will help create good-paying, skilled US jobs, strengthen local economies, and help secure the US lead in the global AI race.”
Wendell P Weeks, chairman and chief executive of Corning, said the partnership would support a 15 to 20% increase in employment at the company’s North Carolina operations, where it already employs more than 5,000 staff.
“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,” Weeks said.
“The investment will expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina, support an increase in Corning’s employment levels in the state by 15 to 20 percent, and help sustain a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000, including the scientists, engineers, and production teams at two of the world’s largest optical fiber and cable manufacturing facilities,” he said.
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Meta said its 26 data centres, either operational or under construction, have supported 30,000 skilled trade jobs during the build phase and currently support 5,000 operations roles.
Corning said demand for fibre connectivity would continue to grow as generative artificial intelligence and other digital technologies reshape sectors including healthcare, finance and agriculture.
The Recap
- Meta to buy Corning fiber optic cables under agreement.
- Agreement valued at up to $6 billion over multiple years.
- Corning to expand North Carolina manufacturing and add jobs.
