Corning invests $1.5 billion in Michigan wafer production plant

Corning, the majority owner of Hemlock Semiconductor, has announced a significant $1.5 billion investment in a new wafer production plant located in Michigan, United States. This strategic move, announced on March 6, 2026, is specifically targeted at bolstering the domestic supply chain for the solar sector, marking a substantial commitment to expanding manufacturing capabilities for critical components within the renewable energy industry. This substantial capital injection highlights a notable trend towards strengthening domestic production capacities, particularly for essential inputs like solar wafers. The $1.5 billion scale of the investment is significant, indicating a long-term strategic play by Corning to capitalize on the growing demand for solar energy and potentially benefit from incentives aimed at fostering U.S. manufacturing. The deal's focus on wafer production directly addresses a crucial segment in the solar value chain, enhancing resilience and reducing reliance on foreign supply.