State and federal officials announced a major economic boost for St. Lawrence County, as Corning Incorporated will invest up to $315 million to expand its glass manufacturing facility in Canton. The project is expected to generate up to 130 permanent manufacturing jobs and 175 construction positions, enhancing the region’s economy and reinforcing New York’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, according to state leaders.
Corning, a global leader in specialty glass and ceramics, will increase production of High Purity Fused Silica and EXTREME Ultra Low Expansion glass at the Canton site. These materials are critical for deep and extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, used in semiconductor production. This investment aligns with New York’s efforts to solidify its role in the semiconductor supply chain.
“Corning has been an integral part of New York’s manufacturing landscape for over 170 years,” Governor Kathy Hochul said, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and job creation. She noted that this project is part of a broader push to develop the semiconductor industry, which is vital for economic growth and technological advancement.
Corning CEO Wendell Weeks highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, calling it a step forward in supporting domestic semiconductor production. “We are proud to do our part in advancing technology and creating high-tech jobs here in New York,” he said.
The expansion is supported by $7 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development, which hailed the investment as evidence of New York’s thriving innovation economy. The project also benefits from $32 million in federal funding through the CHIPS Incentives Program, part of a national effort to bolster semiconductor manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
New York’s semiconductor sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by over $112 billion in recent private investments. In the last two years, companies like Micron, IBM, and Applied Materials have expanded their operations in the state. One in four U.S.-made chips will soon be produced within 350 miles of Upstate New York, solidifying the region as a semiconductor powerhouse.
This announcement underscores the critical role semiconductors play in the economy, enabling advancements across industries and supporting millions of jobs nationwide. With Corning’s expansion, New York is poised to remain at the forefront of this vital industry.
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