In a bit of good news for the U.S. manufacturing industry, Corning announced that it will partner with AT&T to open the first fiber optic manufacturing facility in the western region in an effort to expand U.S. manufacturing jobs and keep pace with the growing demand for broadband access. The new Arizona plant is anticipated to open by 2024, with the goal of bolstering capacity for the optical cable that is needed for internet access and 5G.

The supply chain crisis played a key role in the decision to open this facility. With ongoing product and material shortages and more people working from home, the demand for optical cable is unprecedented.

Across the manufacturing industry and the political spectrum, the aim is to return more manufacturing positions and plants to the United States in an effort to better compete when it comes to technology while supporting also U.S. remote workers. Presently, China and Japan lead the way in exporting fiber optics.

According to Corning, about 850,000 new jobs will need to be created in the next three years to install the cable. Once it is manufactured; this plant will offer about 250 positions.