Amazon has signed a multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning, under which Corning will supply optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions for the e-commerce giant's expanding data center network in the United States. This includes facilities that support cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services. The deal is expected to create 1,000 manufacturing jobs in North Carolina.
Details of the Agreement
In a blog post, Amazon stated that this agreement will support expansion at Corning's manufacturing facilities across the state and generate hundreds of additional construction jobs as the company increases production capacity. The partnership aims to strengthen domestic supply chains for data center infrastructure while supporting workforce development in the region.
Workforce Development Initiative
As part of the agreement, Amazon and Corning will collaborate on a workforce development initiative that expands Corning's existing Fiber Optic Technician Training Program with Catawba Valley Community College. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in fiber optic manufacturing and related technical fields through hands-on training and specialized coursework.
Matt Garman, CEO of AWS, wrote in the blog post: "Amazon's investments in North Carolina have created more than 26,000 jobs across the state. 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. We're also partnering to train North Carolinians for highly skilled roles in fiber optics and fusion splicing. These long-term investments create long-term careers and real opportunity in the communities where we operate."
The new agreement comes in addition to Amazon's previously announced plan to invest $10 billion in North Carolina to expand its cloud computing infrastructure. Amazon has invested more than $20 billion in North Carolina since 2010 and created over 26,000 jobs across sectors including logistics, cloud infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Corning's Perspective
Corning stated that the agreement will help expand manufacturing operations and increase domestic production of fiber optic products used in data centers. Wendell Weeks, chairman, CEO, and president of Corning, said: "This agreement with Amazon represents a significant milestone for Corning and for American manufacturing."
The company also highlighted its workforce development programs in North Carolina, noting that nearly 7,000 people in the state have received training through initiatives such as Career Choice and other upskilling efforts. Amazon added that it has contributed more than $72 million to local charities and community organizations across North Carolina over the past decade.
This partnership underscores the growing demand for data center infrastructure driven by cloud computing and AI, while also emphasizing the importance of domestic manufacturing and skilled workforce development.
