The Economy

Corning to Expand Light-Duty Diesel Capacity in Germany

Aug. 30, 2010

Company says it is keeping pace with growth in clean-diesel products.

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.

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.