Corning Inc. is making significant strides on its new $900 million manufacturing facility in Saginaw County, Michigan, with construction on track for completion by the end of 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on producing key components for the solar industry, in alignment with the growing demand for clean energy solutions and the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The new facility is expected to create approximately 1,100 jobs in Richland Township, significantly benefiting the local economy. Hiring is already underway for the plant, with positions ranging from skilled manufacturing roles to engineering and management positions. The wages for workers at the facility will exceed the region’s median wage, and employees will be provided with a comprehensive benefits package, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“We’re ramping up hiring for more than 1,000 high-quality jobs,” said Scott Forester, Corning Inc. Division Vice President and Program Executive of Solar. “This investment marks an important milestone for Corning Inc. as we help the U.S. build a robust domestic supply chain for affordable, reliable energy. We're proud to create good-paying manufacturing jobs and expand access to American-made energy solutions."

Corning Inc. has outlined the $900 million facility as a key part of its broader strategy to help the United States establish a strong and resilient clean energy supply chain. In the coming months, the company plans to share additional details on how this investment fits into the larger vision of the company.

The project, which broke ground in 2024, is receiving support from Michigan's state government through the Michigan Strategic Fund, which has provided over $100 million in incentives. The state was selected over other potential sites in the Midwest and Northeast, thanks to its talented workforce and commitment to advancing clean energy technologies. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted these factors when she announced the selection of the site in early 2024.

In addition to the Saginaw County facility, Corning Inc. operates a chemical processing plant in Hemlock, Michigan, which plays a crucial role in the semiconductor and solar industries. This expansion reflects Corning’s ongoing investment in U.S.-based manufacturing for the clean energy sector, further cementing its position as a leader in materials science and technology.

The new Saginaw County facility will specifically focus on creating solar components that are made in the U.S., leveraging Corning Inc.'s extensive expertise in materials science. This initiative is particularly timely, as the demand for domestically produced solar products continues to grow, fueled by the ongoing shift towards renewable energy.

The project is being undertaken by Corning Inc.'s wholly owned subsidiary, Solar Technology LLC, and aligns with the company’s strategic vision to help strengthen the U.S. clean energy infrastructure.

In addition to this large-scale investment in Michigan, Corning Inc. is also pushing forward with a $315 million expansion of its facility in Canton, New York. This expansion will add up to 130 new manufacturing jobs and increase production of specialized glass used in the semiconductor industry.

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Corning Inc. has recently reported record core sales of $3.9 billion in its fourth quarter, marking an 18% year-over-year increase. The company’s strong financial performance is largely driven by new product offerings in the growing Gen AI market, showcasing Corning’s ability to innovate across multiple industries.

As Corning Inc. continues to scale its manufacturing operations across the U.S., its ongoing investments in clean energy and technology infrastructure are poised to play a key role in the nation’s transition to renewable energy.

Originally reported by Jeff Smith in The Leader.