The Economy

Corning to Boost Capacity at Factory in China

July 22, 2011

Expansion will increase capacity for emissions-control substrates for passenger vehicles.

Corning Inc. said its board of directors have given the green light for a $170 million plan to increase capacity of the company's clean-air-products factory in Shanghai.

The New York-based manufacturer of specialty-glass and ceramic components said the expansion will enable the facility to produce more emissions-control substrates for light-duty passenger vehicles.

This is the third announced expansion of the factory, which is operated by Corning Shanghai Company Ltd., Corning's wholly owned venture in China. Corning first expanded the facility in 2007 and last year announced a $125 million second expansion of the facility.

Corning expects this latest expansion to be completed in third-quarter 2013.

"Global sales of automobiles, particularly in China and across Asia, are forecasted to grow steadily over the next several years, increasing demand for Corning's advanced substrates," said Mark Beck, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Environmental Technologies.

"Strict emissions regulations around the world are driving vehicles to use more substrates than before and to use advanced substrates. This significant investment will help us to meet the growing demand."

In addition to manufacturing advanced substrates, Corning Shanghai also provides sales, marketing and engineering support for its customers in China and throughout Asia.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.