Feb. 20 Corning will invest $109 million in its fiber plant in Midland, creating 200 jobs over the next two years. The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners approved a five-year, performance-based grant for $3.2 million.

The venerable ceramics, glass-making and optical communications company will hire a variety of workers, including operators, distribution staff, maintenance personnel and other workers. Salaries will average $58,146.

The expansion will be facilitated, in part, by Job Development Investment Grants approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee up to $2.1 million in total reimbursements in Cabarrus, over 12 years.

“We are very proud of our corporate partner, Corning Optical Communications, and commend them for their decision to grow right here in Cabarrus County, where we have the best business climate a company could ask for,” said N.C. Representative Linda Johnson.

The N.C. Department of Transportation, North Carolina Community College System, Cabarrus County, Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation and Duke Energy were also involved in the expansion behind the scenes.

“Corning’s reinvestment shows how the assets of a community can drive economic growth – it’s a great reciprocal partnership,” said Steve Morris, chairman of the Cabarrus County Board. “They recognize how the depth of our talented workforce and the strength of our community can move their company forward. In turn, they diversify our economy and expand our tax base.”