Corning Idles UK Cable Plant

In response to the continued weakening in demand for optical cable in Europe, Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today announced Corning Cable Systems is proposing to idle its optical cable manufacturing operation in Whiston, England. Approximately 170 employees will be affected.

It is proposed that approximately 20 employees will be retained within the manufacturing operations to maintain the facility in anticipation of a return in sales volume in late 2002 or early 2003. More than 100 employees, representing other Corning businesses, will continue to operate on the Whiston site.

“Since our European telecommunications customers are continuing to be conservative on optical cable purchases in this time of uncertainty, we must make hard choices to bring our manufacturing capacity in line with our lower than anticipated customer demand,” said Malcolm Barnett, Managing Director, Corning Cable Systems. “That’s why we are proposing to take this action. Corning Cable Systems will work together with employee representatives to ensure that those affected will be treated with dignity and respect.”

In addition, Corning Cable Systems announced earlier this week that it will reduce its workforce in the Americas by 872 employees. Corning Incorporated expects to reduce its global workforce by up to 12,000 employees by the end of the year.

Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW)