Corning to Expand Light-Duty Diesel Capacity in Germany

Corning Inc., a Corning, N.Y.-based manufacturer of components for high-tech systems in consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences products, has approved a capital investment plan to increase the companys light-duty filter capacity in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

The $44 million investment will be part of Cornings previously announced 2010-2011 capital expenditures, according to the company.

This expansion, which is expected to begin early production in the second half of 2011, will increase the companys capacity to manufacture current and future generations of light-duty diesel DuraTrap AT filters.

Tighter emissions regulations continue to drive demand for diesel emissions control systems, said Thomas Hinman, senior vice president of Corning Environmental Technologies. Currently, more than 50% of the passenger cars in Europe are diesel. By 2011, all diesel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles will be equipped with a filter. By expanding our light-duty diesel capabilities, we will be better positioned to meet increased demand from customers in Europe and around the world.

In addition, the company recently announced it will expand its Corning Shanghai Co. Ltd. automotive substrate facility. This expansion is expected to be operational in the second half of 2012. The Shanghai investment is part of the companys previously announced 2011 capital expenditures.

Corning diesel filters are used in emission control systems to remove particulate matter (soot) from vehicle exhaust.