US-based materials science company Corning has operationalised a new optical connectivity manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra, and is planning a larger capacity expansion in 2027, driven by growing demand from AI data centres and telecommunications networks.
The new facility manufactures optical connectivity products for data centres and telecom networks, complementing the company’s existing optical fibre manufacturing operations in Pune. Corning is also preparing an adjacent facility, with additional manufacturing capacity expected to become operational in 2027.
According to Sudhir N Pillai, Managing Director and President, India, Middle East and Africa, Corning, demand for optical fibre has increased substantially over the past two years, supported by investments in telecommunications and AI data centres. He expects this demand to continue growing over the coming years.
Highlighting the changing infrastructure requirements of AI data centres, Pillai said these facilities require significantly more fibre connectivity than conventional cloud-based data centres, with requirements potentially reaching 10 times the fibre capacity.
To address this demand, Corning has introduced GlassWorks AI, a portfolio of optical connectivity solutions designed for AI data centres. The portfolio includes optical fibre with a 40% smaller cross-sectional area, cables with twice the density of traditional cables and MMC connector systems offering 36 times higher density. These technologies are designed to accommodate higher connectivity within existing data centre infrastructure.
Expanding India’s Manufacturing Footprint
Corning’s optical fibre manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, was established in 2012 with an investment of more than USD 100 million. The newly operationalised connectivity facility expands its manufacturing capabilities at the location, strengthening its presence across the optical communications value chain.
The company is also expanding its consumer electronics business in India through Bharat Innovative Glass Technologies (BIG Tech), a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom. Its Chennai-area facility, inaugurated in December 2025, is India’s first dedicated manufacturing facility for finished cover-glass components for mobile consumer electronics. The facility has entered trial production and is undergoing customer qualification and validation. Once fully operational, it is expected to have an annual capacity of 30 million units.
In pharmaceutical packaging, Corning manufactures glass tubing in Telangana through its joint venture with SGD Pharma. The products are used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical ampoules and vials.
The company’s Indian operations also include technology and research activities in Pune and Gurugram. Pillai said Corning’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) had grown fivefold since 2024, with investments in AI capabilities and talent development supporting its global operations.
Exploring Automotive and Sustainability Applications
Beyond optical communications, Corning is exploring opportunities in automotive technology, particularly the use of optical fibre to replace copper-based communication systems within vehicles. As vehicles become increasingly software- and computing-driven, faster communication between onboard systems is becoming important.
The company is also developing automotive-grade Gorilla Glass, anti-reflective and anti-glare glass technologies, and cold-forming processes for vehicle interiors.
In sustainability, Corning is applying hyperspectral imaging technology to agriculture. Using drone-mounted cameras, the technology captures spectral images that can help identify soil deficiencies, plant diseases and water stress.
With its planned capacity expansion and investments across multiple business segments, Corning is strengthening India’s role in its global manufacturing and technology operations.
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