NC fiber-optic manufacturer CommScope to create 250 jobs, invest $47M in expansion

HICKORY – Reacting to expected growing demand for faster internet access, fiber and communications services provider CommScope says it will invest $47 million to expand its fiber-optic manufacturing at two plants in North Carolina.

The company anticipates adding 250 jobs at the plants near Hickory.

CommScope (Nasdaq: COMM)  CEO Chuck Treadway made the announcement in Hickory on Wednesday with Gov. Roy Cooper and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in attendance.

Focus of the expansion is fiber-optic cable called HeliARC which the company says is “specifically designed for the needs of rural deployments.” CommScope it expects to support expansion of 500,000 fiber-to-the-home deployments as a federally backed broadband expansion plan takes root.

“We are in the business of connectivity. We strive to provide superior solutions to our customers who, in turn, provide connectivity for businesses, individuals and communities. This increase in fiber-optic cable production is a great step forward for our ‘Broadband for Everyone’ program, furthering our commitment to serve the fiber optic cable market,” Treadway said in a statement. “We will produce more cost-effective and easier-to-deploy fiber-optic cable, add new jobs and simultaneously strengthen the supply chain in America. This is a trifecta we are thrilled to announce, and we are particularly pleased to share this news today in the company of Secretary Raimondo and Governor Cooper.”

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