On 12 February Corning Inc. of the United States announced that it would recommend to its board of directors that its new optical components production facility be located in the town of Erwin, New Yo…
On 12 February Corning Inc. of the United States announced that it would recommend to its board of directors that its new optical components production facility be located in the town of Erwin, New York state. According to a company statement, the new plant, when completed, will increase the company“s manufacturing capacity of passive optical devices, which are used in communications, video and sensor systems. Corning estimates the 200,000 square-foot plant could eventually employ 1,000 people. Construction work on the facility, which is close to the company“s existing components plant and its research and development facility, could begin as early as 1 April. Initial deliveries of components produced at the plant are expected by the end of 1997. Corning“s Components Products Business produces fibre-optic components and assemblies. The business is part of the company“s Opto-electronics Group, which is comprised of companies and business units that supply optical fibre, cable and components for the development of new and expanding optical communications networks around the globe. Corning finalised its site selection process after the executive board of Local 1000 of the American Flint Glass Workers“ Union (AFGWU) reviewed the tentative bargaining agreement and gave final approval. In making the announcement, Corning“s chairman and chief executive officer, Roger Ackerman said, “I am pleased that Corning“s new optical components manufacturing facility will be located in Steuben County, in the town of Erwin. Thanks to the hard work and cooperation of numerous individuals in the public and private sectors, as well as the AFGWU, we were able to address the expectations and requirements of all parties.” “The decision to locate this manufacturing facility in New York State would not have been possible just a few years ago,” continued Ackerman. “Governor Pataki and the legislature have dramatically altered, in a very positive way, the business climate in New York. We especially want to recognise the governor“s staff within the Empire State Development Corp., the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, the Steuben County Legislature, and the Town of Erwin for their efforts in bringing this project to a successful conclusion.” President of Local 1000, Stephen Mandell said, “Corning“s decision to keep its new plant in the area is good news for everyone. The new plant will mean more jobs and more growth. We wanted to make sure those jobs stayed here and that“s what we were able to accomplish.” President of the American Flint Glass Workers“ Union, Lawrence Bankowski, expressed a position similar to Mandell“s. “We are pleased that we were able to negotiate an agreement that is acceptable to both the union and to the company. This new plant will provide work for hundreds of union members and that“s a positive thing for everyone; for the community, for Corning Incorporated, for its employees and their families.”