WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWNY) – Up to 130 new jobs will be coming to the north country, as a result of a $32 million agreement between the federal government and Corning Glass, which has a manufacturing plant in Canton.

The announcement was made early Friday morning by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. He said the money will be used to increase production of the glass made at the Canton plant.

Schumer described the jobs as “good-paying manufacturing jobs, including new union jobs.” He also said more than 175 union construction jobs will be created, as Canton’s Corning plant expands.

“The glass needed for our semiconductor supply chain should be built in Canton, not China, and today’s investment helps further realize the goal of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Law of bringing manufacturing back to America,” Schumer said.

Corning’s Canton plant makes specialized glass, which is used in the machines that manufacture the chips inside electronics like computers and cell phones.

The ‘CHIPS And Science Law is being used to underwrite high tech projects across the U.S., including the massive Micron plant near Syracuse. It may also become a target for elimination – or big changes – in the new Trump administration.

Earlier this month, the Republican Speaker of The House, Mike Johnson, said Republicans “probably will” try to repeal the law, before walking back the comment later. Johnson subsequently said CHIPS is not on the Republican agenda to repeal but could be “streamlined.”

Corning’s CEO praised Schumer for his advocacy of the Canton plant.

“We are grateful for Majority Leader Schumer’s vision and tireless efforts to strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain,” said Corning Incorporated Chairman and CEO Wendell Weeks.

Corning will work with local unions, including United Steelworkers Local 1026 who represent Corning’s glass-making workforce at the Canton facility and will represent applicable new workers, according to a statement from Schumer’s office.

“Today Uncle Sam is giving its stamp of approval saying the North Country is ready to build America’s future, creating jobs, supercharging the economy and strengthening our national security,” Schumer said in the statement.

Corning also plans to invest $300,000 per year for the duration of the proposed project to support the St. Lawrence County Childcare Training Program, which would help build the childcare workforce, making it easier for employees to find and obtain care and helping the company secure the additional workers needed to make the expansion a success, according to the Schumer statement.

Technically, what Schumer has helped secure is a “preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT)” funding for the Canton plant. That means the U.S. Commerce Department has to sign off on the project before funding can be finalized.

Copyright 2024 WWNY. All rights reserved.