Partnership with Corning boosts artificial intelligence infrastructure, U.S. manufacturing, and job creation
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced on its official website a multi-year agreement worth up to $6 billion with Corning for the supply of fiber optic cables destined for its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
The contract provides for the distribution of this investment over several years, without disclosing a specific final deadline for its completion. The investment is part of the company’s strategy to support the rapid expansion of its digital infrastructure, which is considered essential for the advancement of generative AI and the development of its vision of personalized superintelligence.
Fiber optic cables are critical components for the operation of modern data centers, as they transmit information through light, enabling extremely high speeds and low latency. This technology allows near real-time data transfer between thousands of servers and graphics processing units (GPUs), a fundamental requirement for large-scale AI applications.
This connectivity supports both Meta’s digital platforms and wearable devices, such as Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses.
Strategic infrastructure for the global AI race
By partnering with Corning, Meta states that it is strengthening advanced manufacturing in the United States and helping ensure that the country remains competitive in the global race for leadership in artificial intelligence.
The agreement includes the expansion of Corning’s manufacturing capacity, with a significant upgrade at the Trivium Corporate Center, located in Catawba County, North Carolina.
According to the company, the initiative is expected to result in a 15% to 20% increase in employment across its operations in the state, reinforcing a workforce that already exceeds 5,000 highly skilled professionals, including scientists, engineers, and production teams, spread across some of the world’s largest cable and fiber optic manufacturing facilities.
Domestic production and high-quality job creation
For Meta, the partnership goes beyond technological infrastructure. “Building the most advanced data centers in the U.S. requires world-class partners and American manufacturing,” said Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Global Head of Public Affairs.
According to him, the collaboration with Corning will help create well-paying jobs, strengthen local economies, and secure U.S. leadership in the development of AI technologies.
Currently, Meta has 26 data centers under construction or in operation in the United States, which have already generated around 30,000 jobs during the construction phase and support 5,000 permanent operational positions, highlighting the economic impact of AI infrastructure expansion in the country.
Rising demand boosts Corning’s market value and shares
The rapid expansion of generative AI has significantly increased demand for fiber optic connectivity, turning Corning into one of the most highly valued companies in the sector.
Driven by large orders from companies such as Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Apple, Corning’s shares recorded a gain of more than 84% throughout 2025, consolidating the company as a Wall Street favorite in the data center infrastructure segment.
In addition to the agreement with Meta, Corning has also secured key partnerships with other major technology firms. In August 2025, Apple announced a $2.5 billion investment to finance the production of Gorilla Glass, the high-strength glass used in the iPhone and Apple Watch, at its manufacturing facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
A long-term vision for the digital economy
As AI advances across sectors such as healthcare, finance, agriculture, and industry, Meta expects demand for fiber optic infrastructure to continue growing.
By investing in strategic partnerships, domestic manufacturing, and data center expansion, the company aims to ensure that the United States maintains its competitive edge in the digital economy and its global leadership in artificial intelligence.
Source: Meta’s Official Website