CANTON -- Senator Chuck Schumer has helped secure $32 million for Corning Incorporated's expansion project, a crucial investment to incorporate the facility into a planned "semiconductor highway."

In a press release today, Jan. 16, Schumer said the funding is a direct result of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Law that will ensure billions of dollars are invested in the U.S. semiconductor industry.

In total, the expansion at Corning's Canton plant should lead to the creation of 130 new, high-paying manufacturing jobs, Schumer said.

“$32 million from my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law for Corning’s job-creating expansion making specialized glass essential for semiconductors in the North Country is now locked in! Today the feds have signed the deal to say America’s future in glass for the semiconductor industry should be made in Canton, not China,” said Senator Schumer.

“With the funding now signed and sealed, Corning’s $315 million, 300+ job investment can move forward knowing the funding will be secured for them no matter the administration. The specialized glass made right here in Canton is used in some of the most advanced machinery in the world critical to making microchips we need for technology we use every day, from our phones to our computers and cars, as well as to technology like AI. This finalized agreement is a win-win: for the North Country and America.”

Specifically, Corning plans to increase the production of High Purity Fused Silica and Ultra Low Expansion Glass, which are key components of deep ultraviolet (DUV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines and photomasks. DUV and EUV technology are essential to semiconductor manufacturing, and this project will improve EUV performance and help ensure a lower carbon footprint.

Schumer was in the North Country last November to announce the $32 million investment in Corning's Canton facility.

With the funding now secured, Schumer said facility upgrades and expansion will also create about 175 construction just in the area as well.

After visiting Canton following the passage of his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law and promising it would supercharge the demand for Corning’s critical technology and deliver big for the North Country, Schumer said Corning Incorporated had reached an up to $32 million preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to increase production at their Canton facility of specialized glass vital for the semiconductor industry.

The PMT outlined key terms for Corning Incorporated’s CHIPS agreement, which has now been finalized by the Commerce Department.

The Department of Commerce will disburse funds in the coming years as Corning meets project milestones agreed to in the final award.

Schumer said the investment in Corning will usher in a new phase in manufacturing for the North Country.

“This will help usher in the next chapter of manufacturing here in the North Country. The specialized glass made right here in Canton is used in some of the most advanced machinery in the world – while making microchips we need for technology we use every day, from our phones to our computers and cars. Today Uncle Sam is giving its stamp of approval saying the North Country is ready to build America’s future, creating jobs, supercharging the economy and strengthening our national security.”

To support both the company’s workforce and the broader community’s child care infrastructure, Corning also plans to invest $300,000 per year for the duration of the proposed project to support the St. Lawrence County Childcare Training Program, which would help build and stabilize the child care workforce and increase child care supply for the community, making it easier for employees to find and obtain care and helping the company access the additional workers needed to make this expansion a success.

“The Empire State is becoming a national leader in advanced manufacturing because of the investments New York has made in this industry and the extraordinary help of President Biden. New York State has the talent, infrastructure and innovation to continue on this trajectory and the best is yet to come. My 2025 State of the State includes new initiatives to grow this critical industry, and we’ll continue doing everything in our power to create great jobs and boost economic growth,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.