Corning trades housewares for photonics

Corning trades housewares for photonics

Corning Incorporated (Corning, NY) is converting an existing company property in Somerset, NJ, to the Corning Photonic Research & Test Center. Initially, 10 to 20 research scientists will test the performance of fiber and photonic component devices. The facility will be fully operational by 1998. "This will enable Corning to enhance its development of optimized photonic components and fiber for its customers` systems," says Charles Deneka of Corning. As Corning becomes more involved with the telecommunications industry, it is removing itself from what originally made it a household name--housewares. After more than 80 years in business, Corning sold its Consumer Products Company to AEA Investors for approximately $975 million. In other news, Corning plans to build a $75 million plant near Charleston, SC. The 150,000-sq ft plant will start producing high-purity fused silica in the first quarter of 1998 and will initially employ 150 people.