Catawba County -- August 12, 2026: In a landmark economic win for Catawba County, Prysmian North America is launching a major $1 billion expansion of its fiber and glass manufacturing operations in Claremont. The project represents the largest industrial investment in the county's history, doubling the facility's optical manufacturing capacity and adding 385 new jobs.
The expansion will increase Prysmian’s Claremont footprint by nearly 975,000 square feet, adding a new glass preform production facility alongside major upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the significant impact the expansion will have on both local workers and North Carolina’s standing in the global manufacturing economy.
"This billion-dollar investment is more proof that North Carolina is leading the way on innovation and job creation," said Governor Josh Stein. "Companies understand the value of our highly skilled manufacturing workforce that helps to power their strategic growth."
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley also emphasized how the Claremont facility fits into the state’s broader technological momentum.
"Prysmian is a major force in advancing North Carolina’s innovation story," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "This expansion reflects our shared commitment to building a thriving technology ecosystem that creates opportunities for employers and employees across every sector to innovate, invest, and grow while strengthening our contributions to the global economy."
For Catawba County residents, the expansion delivers substantial financial benefits directly to the local community:
Higher Local Salaries: The average annual salary for the 385 new positions will be $60,870, surpassing Catawba County’s current average wage of $56,937.
Local Payroll Boost: The new workforce is expected to inject more than $23.4 million in total annual payroll into the regional economy.
Performance-Based Incentives: A $1 million grant from the One North Carolina Fund will support the project, contingent on Prysmian meeting its $665 million capital investment targets and job creation goals alongside matching local government participation.
As one of only three domestic manufacturers of fiber and optical cable in the United States, Prysmian’s multi-year investment positions Claremont as a vital production center for modernizing national power grids and expanding high-speed broadband infrastructure.
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