Governor Josh Stein announced on August 12, 2026, that Prysmian will invest more than $1 billion to expand its fiber and glass manufacturing operations at its Claremont facility in Catawba County. The North Carolina Department of Commerce stated the project will add 385 new jobs with an average annual salary of $60,870. The state awarded a performance-based grant of $1 million from the One North Carolina Fund to Prysmian Cables and Systems USA, LLC, contingent on the company investing $665 million.
What it means
The expansion will vertically integrate a new glass production facility at the site and upgrade existing buildings to double capacity for fiber optic manufacturing. According to the Department of Commerce, the project will expand the site footprint by 975,000 square feet. Andrea Pirondini, Prysmian North America CEO, said the investment demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting U.S. demand for advanced digital solutions.
The new positions are projected to create a payroll impact of more than $23.4 million annually for the region. The average salary for the new roles is $60,870, compared to the Catawba County average annual salary of $56,937. Governor Stein said the billion-dollar investment is proof that North Carolina is leading on innovation and job creation. Prysmian North America, based in Highland Heights, Ky., operates more than 50 locations with 9,000 associates and reported $9 billion in sales.
Key facts
- $1 billion: Total investment by Prysmian for the Claremont expansion
- 385: Number of new jobs to be added in Catawba County
- 975,000 sq ft: Expansion of the site footprint
- $60,870: Average annual salary for the new positions
- $1 million: Performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund
- $665 million: Investment threshold required to receive grant payments
- Double capacity: Planned increase in fiber optic manufacturing output
Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce news release