Amazon Deal Creates 1,000 Jobs at Corning Facilities

Amazon has agreed a multi-billion-dollar contract with Corning to provide optical fibre, cable and connectivity solutions for the technology company's data centre network in the US.

According to Corning, the deal will generate 1,000 new positions at the glassmaker's manufacturing sites in North Carolina.

The expansion will also support hundreds of construction roles as Corning builds out its production capacity.

Corning developed low cost optical fibre in the 1970s. The company's technology is experiencing increased demand as businesses construct data centres for AI applications.

The glassmaker has already formed partnerships with NVIDIA and Meta.

Workforce training programme expansion

Amazon will collaborate with Corning to expand the Fibre Optic Technician Training Program at Catawba Valley Community College.

The programme will prepare students for roles in fibre optic manufacturing and related technical positions.

Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, says: "Amazon's investments in North Carolina have created more than 26,000 jobs across the state.

"This multi-billion-dollar agreement with Corning continues that commitment, channelling investment into American manufacturing and creating 1,000 new jobs at their facilities near our data centres.

"We're also partnering to train North Carolinians for highly skilled roles in fibre optics and fusion splicing.

"These long-term investments create long-term careers and real opportunity in the communities where we operate."

The training initiative forms part of Amazon's wider commitment to developing technical skills in regions where it operates infrastructure.

Corning's manufacturing job creation

Corning signed a multi-year contract with Meta in January 2026 valued at US$6bn to supply optical fibre, cable and connectivity solutions. The company announced a partnership with NVIDIA in May.

According to Corning, its agreement with NVIDIA includes construction of three new manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Texas. That expansion will create more than 3,000 jobs in the US.

Wendell Weeks, CEO at Corning, says: "This agreement with Amazon represents a significant milestone for Corning and for American manufacturing.

"For 175 years, Corning has pioneered the technologies that connect people and transform industries. 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 US manufacturing base."

North Carolina investment strategy

Amazon announced plans in 2025 to invest US$10bn in North Carolina to expand cloud computing infrastructure 2010, building on the more than US$20bn investment amazon has made in the state since 2010.

US Senator Ted Budd says: "Every day, North Carolina is proving that American manufacturing and cutting-edge technology go hand in hand.

"This multibillion-dollar agreement, between Amazon and Corning, will create 1,000 family-sustaining jobs for hardworking North Carolinians while also strengthening the critical infrastructure of the US supply chain."

According to Amazon, its data centres power services used by millions of people and businesses daily, from hospitals and emergency services to streaming entertainment and AI.