Corning increases fluoride-crystal capacity

17 Jun 2002

Corning Incorporated will invest more than USD 30 million in 2001 to expand production of fluoride crystals in its Canton, US, manufacturing facility. This investment will allow the company to more than double its capacity in fluoride crystals, which are used to make optical microlithography lenses. The company expects that approximately 125 new jobs will be created over the next few years. Construction will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by late 2001. It is anticipated that additional investments will be made to further expand capabilities in subsequent years.

The expansion into Corning's Canton facility is in response to the strong demand for fluoride crystals for optical microlithography. Microlithography is a key process for printing patterns of an integrated circuit onto a silicon wafer. The Canton facility is already involved in the semiconductor market through the production of high-quality HPFS material for microlithography equipment. By expanding into this next generation of material the Canton Plant is positioned for success well into the next decade.