Corning Optical plans to add 205 jobs in 2 NC expansions

HICKORY, N.C. (AP) – Corning Optical Communications plans to add 205 jobs over the next five years at its facilities in Hickory and Winston-Salem.

North Carolina officials announced Monday the company plans to invest nearly $83.5 million.

Corning Optical provides fiber optic communications for voice, data and video networks. Its parent company is Corning Inc. The company already employs more than 3,000 people across North Carolina.

A release from Gov. Pat McCrory’s office says the new jobs will pay on average more than $58,000, though the salaries will vary by position. The average annual wages for residents of Catawba and Forsyth counties are about $38,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Corning Optical has been approved to receive nearly $2 million in job development investment grants if the expansions meet job creation and investment targets.

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