Key facts
- Amazon and Corning have entered into a multi-billion-dollar deal to increase U.S. production of optical fiber.
- The partnership is expected to create 1,000 jobs at Corning's North Carolina facilities.
- The deal will expand Corning's fiber optic technician training program in North Carolina.
- Corning's optical fiber products are critical for AI data centers.
- Corning plans to increase U.S.-based optical connectivity manufacturing capacity tenfold and domestic fiber production by over 50%.
Amazon announced a multi-billion-dollar agreement with specialty glass maker Corning aimed at bolstering the domestic production of optical fiber and connectivity products crucial for data centers. While specific financial details were not disclosed, the multi-year partnership is set to create 1,000 jobs at Corning's facilities in North Carolina.
The collaboration will also involve expanding Corning's fiber optic technician training program in partnership with Catawba Valley Community College, preparing students for roles within the facilities. Corning's optical fiber is vital for the high-speed data transfer required in AI data centers. The company has already outlined ambitious plans to increase its U.S.-based optical connectivity manufacturing capacity tenfold and expand domestic fiber production capacity by more than 50%.