Corning Expands Optical Cable Manufacturing to Arizona, Creating 250 New Jobs
Corning Incorporated, renowned for its innovations in materials science, has announced the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with a new optical cable facility in Gilbert, Arizona. This strategic move, fueled by a longstanding partnership with AT&T, aims to meet the increasing broadband demands in the western United States and Canada.
The announcement was made at Mesa Community College, with notable attendees including U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Senator Mark Kelly, and Corning CEO Wendell Weeks. The facility, expected to open in 2024, will be the westernmost site for optical cable manufacturing in the U.S., creating 250 jobs and strengthening Corning’s commitment to expanding fiber networks.
We believe access to broadband means access to opportunity – from education to healthcare to quality of life,
expressed Corning’s CEO Wendell P. Weeks. He emphasized Corning’s role in ensuring reliable, high-speed connections across diverse regions.
This facility is part of Corning’s substantial investments in fiber and cable manufacturing, totaling over $500 million since 2020. These efforts nearly double the company’s capacity to cater to the U.S. market, backed by public and private investments in broadband and 5G technologies.
Corning and AT&T are also supporting the “Internet for All” initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce, aiming to provide affordable, high-speed internet nationwide by the decade’s end. In line with this, Corning and AT&T have initiated a training program for fiber optic technicians, aspiring to educate 50,000 workers over five years.
Secretary Raimondo highlighted the significance of this development, stating, Today’s announcement marks a great moment in Arizona’s high-tech future. Corning and AT&T are stepping up in a big way to make this a reality.
This sentiment was echoed by local leaders, who hailed the facility as a boost to Arizona’s manufacturing and technology sectors.
As Arizona continues to enhance its broadband infrastructure, Corning’s expansion signifies a pivotal step forward. Recent state investments, including $100 million in broadband grants and a $68.1 million project to enhance connectivity along I-40 West, underscore Arizona’s commitment to improving digital access.
For more information about Corning, visit corning.com. Learn about Arizona Commerce Authority at azcommerce.com.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.