Corning Optical Communications Expansion in Hickory, NC
Corning Inc. will become the first tenant at a new business park in Hickory, North Carolina. This project represents a major Corning Hickory NC optical communications investment of $60 million. Overall, the expansion strengthens its Optical Communications division and boosts fiber and cable production.
Trivium Corporate Center Development and Incentives
City and Catawba County officials confirmed the company will build on 27 acres at Trivium Corporate Center. The site sits between Robinwood and Startown roads. During negotiations, leaders called the project “Project Wave.” As a result, it gained strong local support.
The Hickory City Council and Catawba County Commission approved incentives to secure the project. Specifically, officials will provide land valued at $605,000. They will also offer up to $1.7 million in tax rebates over five years. In addition, Corning secured an option to buy another 4.4 acres, which supports future growth.
Job Creation and Regional Impact
Corning plans to create 110 new jobs. Initially, the company will add 75 jobs by December 31, 2020. The rest will follow by December 31, 2023. Consequently, the facility will increase optical fiber and cable production.
“Corning is investing in tomorrow’s growth today, as the growing number of connected devices fuels demand for our optical fiber and cable innovations,” said Dr. Bernhard Deutsch**, Vice President and General Manager of Corning Optical Fiber and Cable. Therefore, the company continues to align with rising demand.
Corning employs more than 4,000 people in North Carolina, spanning cable manufacturing and life sciences. Meanwhile, the company is building a new cable business headquarters near I-485 in northwest Charlotte. Over time, it plans to move operations from Hickory to Charlotte. Eventually, the new site could employ up to 650 people.
Learn more about Corning at https://www.corning.com
Explore Hickory, NC economic development at https://www.hickorync.gov
