The manufacturer of glass screens for Apple’s mobile devices will receive $250 million in funding from the tech giant, Apple officials announced this week.
The investment, Apple said in a statement, would support Corning’s research and development of new materials, equipment, and processes. The company’s advanced manufacturing fund previously awarded $200 million to Corning in 2017.
Corning’s factory in central Kentucky initially produced glass for the debut iPhone in 2007 and every subsequent version. Apple credited the partnership for nearly 1,000 jobs created throughout Corning’s operations; nearly 400 work in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
Apple said the recently introduced iPhone 11 and 11 Pro would feature the strongest glass incorporated into a smartphone to date, along with a back machined from a single piece of glass to enable wireless charging.
Corning officials said the additional funding would allow it to expand its manufacturing capabilities as well as develop new glass innovations.
“Our ongoing collaboration allows us to create vital new capabilities for end users and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible well into the future,” Corning President, Chairman, and CEO Wendell Weeks said in the announcement.
Apple has committed to awarding $5 billion from its advanced manufacturing fund. Previous awards went to optical components maker Finisar and aluminum joint venture Elysis.
