O’Mara welcomes announcement of new jobs at Corning Incorporated: Calls it a ‘good dose of recovery’ for hard-hit regional economy

Elmira, N.Y., June 9—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) applauded today’s announcement of $204 million in federal funding that will expand production at Corning Incorporated’s manufacturing facility in Big Flats, could double the number of jobs at the plant, and help Corning play a critical role in the ongoing COVID-19 response.

O’Mara said, “This news of investment and job creation in the Southern Tier could not arrive at a better time.  The COVID-19 economic shutdown has delivered a tough blow to the regional economy and thousands of area workers and their families.  We’re hopeful that our local re-openings will keep moving forward so we can keep bringing more and more employees back on the job as quickly as possible.  Consequently, this announcement of new investment, ramped up manufacturing, and good new jobs at Corning Incorporated is a welcome dose of recovery and hopefully signals better economic days ahead.”   

Corning announced earlier today that the funding is forthcoming from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which operates as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The aid will allow Corning to significantly expand its manufacturing of Valor Glass vials that will be used for the production and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

As part of today’s announcement, Wendell P. Weeks, Corning Incorporated’s chairman and chief executive officer said, “We’re delighted that BARDA has selected Corning as a packaging provider for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Our Valor Glass provides the strongest, fastest to fill, and highest-quality pharmaceutical glass vials ever produced. It helps protect patients and addresses existing bottlenecks. Corning is ready to do our part in the fight against the pandemic as well as to help prepare for future public health emergencies.”

According to today’s announcement, Corning will immediately seek to fill 60 permanent manufacturing positions.  Thirty-four additional jobs are anticipated to open as funding is released.