Amazon agreement with Corning to bring 1,000 manufacturing jobs to North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — Amazon announced a multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning Incorporated that is expected to create 1,000 advanced manufacturing jobs in North Carolina and support hundreds of construction jobs as the company expands its fiber optics production facilities.

The multiyear agreement will provide optical fiber, cable and connectivity solutions used to support Amazon’s growing data center infrastructure across the United States.

According to Amazon, the deal will create 1,000 new jobs at Corning facilities in North Carolina while also supporting hundreds of construction jobs tied to facility expansions.

The companies also announced plans to expand workforce development efforts through a partnership with Catawba Valley Community College. The initiative will build upon Corning’s existing Fiber Optic Technician Training Program, providing hands-on education and training for careers in fiber optic manufacturing and related technical fields.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman said the agreement continues the company’s investment in North Carolina while helping strengthen domestic manufacturing and workforce development.

“Amazon’s investments in North Carolina have created more than 26,000 jobs across the state,” Garman said in a statement. “This multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning continues that commitment, channeling investment into American manufacturing and creating 1,000 new jobs at their facilities near our data centers.”

The announcement comes in addition to Amazon’s previously announced plans to invest $10 billion in North Carolina to expand cloud computing infrastructure. Amazon said it has invested more than $20 billion in the state since 2010 and created more than 26,000 jobs in areas including logistics, cloud infrastructure and renewable energy.

Corning Chairman, CEO and President Wendell Weeks called the agreement a significant milestone for the company and American manufacturing.

“Amazon’s investment will help us expand production, create 1,000 new advanced manufacturing jobs at our facilities, and lead the way toward building a resilient U.S. manufacturing base,” Weeks said.

Amazon said the agreement is designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and support the growing demand for fiber optic technology used in cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services.

WWAY has reached out to Corning to find out how many of those jobs will be coming to Wilmington.