Corning Inc. is moving forward with a $315 million expansion project in New York state’s North Country as it deepens its ties to the semiconductor industry.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced Thursday that Corning Inc. and the Department of Commerce have finalized a CHIPS award of up to $32 million to help expand Corning’s glass manufacturing operation in Canton.
Schumer said the move locks in the funding needed to increase production of Corning’s specialized glass, which is vital to the semiconductor industry. The expansion is expected to create up to 130 new manufacturing jobs and over 175 union construction jobs.
The move comes as the Biden Administration looks to lock in funding for a variety of projects in the days before President Donald Trump returns to the White House.
“Today the feds have signed the deal to say America’s future in glass for the semiconductor industry should be made in Canton, not China,” Schumer said in a release. “With the funding now signed and sealed, Corning’s $315 million, 300-plus job investment can move forward knowing the funding will be secured for them no matter the administration.”
The Department of Commerce will disburse the funds over the coming years as Corning meets agreed upon project milestones.
“This strategic investment will advance the continued growth of our Canton facility, enabling us to expand the production of advanced optics components while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs that will support the development of the world’s most advanced microchips,” said Corning Inc. Chairman and CEO Wendell Weeks, who thanked Schumer for his “relentless dedication” in strengthening America’s domestic semiconductor supply chain.
Corning Inc.’s role in the semiconductor supply chain
Corning’s expanded plant in Canton will increase the production of High Purity Fused Silica and Ultra Low Expansion Glass, which are key components of deep ultraviolet (DUV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines and photomasks. DUV and EUV technology are essential to semiconductor manufacturing.
Corning’s Canton facility has developed into a world leader in the production of specialized glasses ideal for advanced microchip production. It is the only location in the country making this critical product, Schumer said.
Corning’s increased production in Canton is expected to support new chip fabs in New York state, including at Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed.
“The specialized glass made right here in Canton is used in some of the most advanced machinery in the world critical to making microchips we need for technology we use every day, from our phones to our computers and cars, as well as to technology like AI,” Schumer said. “This finalized agreement is a win-win: for the North Country and America.”
Corning previously announced a $139 million expansion in the Rochester area in support of optic technology critical to microchip manufacturing, expected to create 270 jobs.
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Corning Inc. expansion’s impact on North Country
Corning Inc. is one of the largest industrial employers in the North Country, with over 300 employees in St. Lawrence County.
To implement the expansion Corning Inc. said it will work with local unions, including United Steelworkers Local 1026, which represents Corning’s glass-making workforce at the Canton facility and will represent applicable new workers.
Corning also plans to invest $300,000 per year for the duration of the project to support the St. Lawrence County Childcare Training Program, making it easier for employees to obtain childcare.
