Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced the formal opening of a new optical fiber manufacturing plant in Mszczonów, Poland, positioned to meet growing demand for high-speed connectivity in the European Union and surrounding regions.
The new facility, billed as one of the largest optical fiber plants in the European Union, represents the latest in Corning’s series of global investments in fiber and cable manufacturing -- totaling more than $500 million since 2020, as supported by growing market demand and strong customer commitments.
The newly opened facility adds approximately 250 employees to the company’s workforce of more than 3,000 in Poland, and builds on Corning’s successful 20-year history of manufacturing in the region.
The plant provides Corning with advantaged access to talent through the skilled workforce and technical training available in the greater Warsaw area. Corning also manufactures optical cable and connectivity components at its campus in Stryków, Poland.
By adding fiber manufacturing capacity in Poland, Corning will be able to increase local supply and manufacturing to serve global markets.
As noted by a company press release:
"Network operators in Europe are investing in broadband expansion to bring high-speed connections to more people in more communities.
These initiatives, along with investments in 5G and cloud data centers, signal the early stages of a large, multi-year wave of growth for networks built on fiber, with virtually unlimited bandwidth.
Corning, as the inventor of low-loss optical fiber and as the world leader in passive optical communications, is uniquely positioned to support these network builds."
Corning noted the company is also expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States to meet growing bandwidth demand in North America. In August, the company announced it will open a cable manufacturing plant near Phoenix, Arizona. A cable manufacturing expansion announced last year by the company in North Carolina is also currently ramping up.
QUOTES
“We congratulate Corning on the opening of this advanced manufacturing facility for the fiber that forms the backbone of the internet. High-speed connections will come to more people and more communities in Europe thanks to the fiber that Corning will make here in Mszczonów. We are pleased that Corning turned again to this region's talented workforce to bring its innovations to life.” -- Józef Kurek, mayor of Mszczonów, Poland
“Corning is expanding its fiber manufacturing operations in Europe as our customers accelerate investments in future-ready networks. From broadband to 5G to cloud computing, tomorrow’s networks all depend on optical fiber. This facility will ensure we can continue to efficiently serve our customers in Europe and beyond. We appreciate the support of state and local officials, and the dedication of our skilled workforce.” -- Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO, Corning