In the Wild: Corning, Meta Work to Lead AI Race

Google, Anthropic, OpenAI, Microsoft. They’re among the behemoths taking over the AI space and the research and development that’s being poured into the technology. However, while those companies are making technological strides, they need the backbone to support their AI ambitions.

That’s why fellow AI leader Meta partnered with Corning on a multiyear collaboration that could be worth up to $6 billion. The two will work on building more advanced data centers throughout the U.S. to support Meta’s AI-related apps, experimentation and technologies, starting with a significant expansion of Corning’s optical cable manufacturing facility at the company’s campus in Hickory, North Carolina. Corning will also provide optical fiber, cable and connectivity solutions designed for the density and scale demands of AI data centers, while Meta will serve as the anchor partner for the Hickory site upgrade.

“As America advances its lead in AI, the infrastructure we build today will determine whether we stay ahead tomorrow. High-performance connectivity is at the heart of this work,” said Dan Sachs, Meta’s VP, Public Policy–State and Local.

The groundbreaking of Corning’s new optical cable capacity took place Tuesday, marking another checkpoint as the manufacturer strengthens its roots in a state it first arrived in nearly 50 years ago. It’s also the second major expansion in recent years for Corning. The company unveiled a new campus back in March 2023, which was part of a series of investments that climbed north of $500 million.