Amazon and Corning Join Forces to Bolster U.S. Data Center Infrastructure
In a strategic move set to enhance data center infrastructure across the United States, Amazon has partnered with Corning Inc., a leading industrial manufacturer. This multibillion-dollar collaboration is projected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs at Corning’s plants in North Carolina, as announced by the companies on Friday.
This partnership aligns with Amazon’s prior announcement to invest $10 billion in expanding cloud computing infrastructure in North Carolina. Since 2010, Amazon’s investments in the state have reached at least $20 billion, resulting in the creation of over 26,000 jobs in sectors such as logistics, cloud infrastructure, and renewable energy, according to the companies.
“North Carolina is proving that American manufacturing and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand,” remarked U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-North Carolina. He emphasized that the deal would bolster the U.S. supply chain for data-center infrastructure.
North Carolina continues to attract companies focused on modernizing the nation’s power grid to support renewable energy and meet the rising power demands of data centers.
In April, Hitachi Energy declared its intention to create 150 jobs in Cary with a new $10 million center aimed at strengthening the North American power grid, partially to support AI data centers.
Siemens also announced plans in 2024 to expand its U.S. headquarters for Siemens Electrification and Automation in Wendell to accommodate the growing demand in data center, semiconductor, and utility sectors, as part of several planned expansions in the state.
Meanwhile, a unit of MetOx International, based in Houston, revealed plans in 2024 to create 333 jobs and invest approximately $194 million in Chatham County to enhance power efficiency for data centers and other applications.
“I am proud that we are continuing to capitalize on that momentum in North Carolina,” Budd added in his statement.
Amazon Web Services previously announced a $10 billion investment to establish a cloud computing and AI innovation center in North Carolina, marking one of the state’s largest investments. This project is anticipated to bring about 500 high-paying jobs to a 20-building, 800-acre campus in Richmond County. Amazon’s data centers support essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, streaming, and AI.
Corning is known for manufacturing advanced glass and fiber optic technology, crucial components of such infrastructure.
“This agreement with Amazon represents a significant milestone for Corning and for American manufacturing,” stated Wendell Weeks, Corning’s chief executive.
Details on the specific locations for the new Corning jobs remain unclear, as the company’s spokesperson did not immediately provide further information.
Corning has a longstanding presence in North Carolina, having produced optical fiber and cable there for over four decades. The company employs more than 5,000 individuals across its North Carolina facilities, with the Optical Communications headquarters based in Charlotte. In 2023, Corning inaugurated an optical cable manufacturing campus in Hickory to support the U.S. expansion of high-speed fiber broadband networks, with additional manufacturing in Concord and Wilmington.
Amazon and Corning’s agreement also involves a new initiative to expand the Fiber Optic Technician Training Program at Catawba Valley Community College. This program aims to equip students with skills for careers in fiber optic manufacturing and related technical fields.
The initiative offers hands-on education and courses to enhance the talent pool and provide pathways to high-paying technical positions. These efforts are expected to fortify the domestic supply chain and manufacturing base in the U.S., benefiting the region and state by advancing residential and commercial fiber network expansion, the companies stated.
“These long-term investments create long-term careers and real opportunity in the communities where we operate,” said Matt Garman, the chief executive of Amazon Web Services.
Original Story at www.wral.com