Letter to Chairman and CEO Wendell Weeks, Corning Inc

Letter

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged Corning Inc. CEO and Chairman Wendell Weeks to locate the company's planned heavy-duty diesel manufacturing plant in New York's Southern Tier. Corning's growing line that produces products that clean diesel emissions before they are released into the atmosphere is expected to expand even further in the next several years as countries around the globe toughen emission standards. In order to meet this demand, Corning is considering building a new manufacturing plant that could host several hundred workers. As the demand for Corning's products is expected to grow in Asian markets, the company is considering locating a plant either near Corning or possibly overseas. In order to create new jobs in the Corning area, Schumer is pushing for the company to build in New York, and today pledged his support in helping the company open up a plant in the Southern Tier.

"There's no place like home; Corning should locate their new diesel products operation right here in the Southern Tier. Corning has been a huge part of New York's past, and I want to make sure it plays a key role in our future," said Schumer. "This opportunity to create hundreds of jobs would be a boon for the Southern Tier, and comes at a time when we really need it. I'm going to do anything and everything I can to get Corning to invest in New York and our incredibly talented and capable workforce. I promise them they won't do better anywhere else, and hope they make the right choice."

Corning's expansion plans hinge on increasing demand for the company's diesel particulate filters. Countries around the globe, particularly those in Asia, are tightening emissions standards and as a result, demand for these types of scrubbers is increasing. As China's rapid economic growth continues, firms throughout that nation are expected to purchase large numbers of these particulate filters -- so much so that the company needs to invest in a multi-million dollar manufacturing facility to meet the demand in 2012. Concerned that the company may choose to locate abroad rather than near Corning, Schumer today pointed to the Southern Tier's world-class workforce as the primary reason Corning should build in New York. New York workers have served the company loyally for years, and Schumer is pushing Corning to continue that strong tradition by expanding within the state, rather than abroad.

In his letter, Schumer wrote, "As our fragile economy continues to recover, it is incumbent that American businesses choose to "insource' new manufacturing jobs and spur growth here at home. As you know, the workers of New York's Southern Tier have delivered enormous benefits to Corning in terms of innovation, efficiency, and reliability for many decades. It is my understanding that improving this diesel filter product line in terms of efficiency and cost is key to Corning's success in this endeavor and will therefore require significant investments in research and development. I strongly believe that the best way for this innovation to flourish in terms of R & D and manufacturing is right here in New York."

A copy of Schumer's letter to Corning Inc.'s Chairman and CEO appears below:

Dear Chairman and CEO Wendell Weeks,

I write today regarding the Corning Company's plans for expansion of your diesel operation and the potential construction of a new facility to meet the growing international demand for your diesel products. Though I understand that there are certain strategic advantages you may gain by choosing an international location for this new facility, I urge you to strongly consider one of your Southern Tier campuses for the location of this new manufacturing operation and the hundreds of jobs that could come with it. The simple reason for this - the American worker and the lack of a business-friendly environment overseas.

It is my understanding from local news reports, that the Corning Company anticipates a booming international market for the "green" products produced in your New York operation, namely your brand of innovative diesel filters and substrates. This demand stems from global changes to emissions standards, a boon not only for the environment but for American innovators like Corning. Moreover, it is expected that a large majority of this new product demand will come from China. It is anticipated that your company will look to invest hundreds of millions of dollars and scores of new jobs in either New York or overseas. While the growth in international demand for green technology is a positive development for your company and the environment, I implore you not to overlook the significant benefits associated with locating the facility in the Southern Tier rather than overseas. Let me explain.

The American worker -- especially the skilled worker of the Southern Tier -- is hurting. As our fragile economy continues to recover, it is incumbent that American businesses choose to "insource" new manufacturing jobs and spur growth here at home. As you know, the workers of New York's Southern Tier have delivered enormous benefits to Corning in terms of innovation, efficiency, and reliability for many decades. It is my understanding that improving this diesel filter product line in terms of efficiency and cost is key to Corning's success in this endeavor and will therefore require significant investments in research and development. I strongly believe that the best way for this innovation to flourish in terms of R & D and manufacturing is right here in New York. Our workers have a long track record of delivering those results for your company. And, foreign governments and locations do not offer these benefits.

In closing, let me again point out that there are enormous benefits associated with locating the new facility in the Southern Tier rather than overseas, including a reliable and well trained workforce, ready access to your world class science and engineering capability located in Corning, access to modern infrastructure, and support from a government that promotes and protects your innovations. I stand ready to work with you to explore federal, state and local incentives that could help make a New York expansion more attractive to Corning. I hope you will take me up on my offer to continue Corning's long-standing reputation of being able to "Make It In America."

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
U.S. Senator

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