Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 22, 1995                   TAG: 9501280001
SECTION: ECONOMY                    PAGE: NRV-21   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CORNING EXPANSION ON TARGET

This will be the second expansion in less than two years for the 29-year-old plant, located off U.S. 460 on the northern edge of Christiansburg. The plant manufactures pollution control filters for the auto industry.

In early 1993, Corning spent $12 million to add a third production line, creating approximately 30 new jobs. That work was finished in 1994.

The Corning, N.Y.-based glass and speciality materials manufacturer said continued growth of the worldwide market for pollution control devices was key to its decision to expand production by January 1996. Corning said it projects a 43 percent increase in worldwide demand for the devices in the next six years.

The plant, referred to by the company as its Blacksburg operation, employs slightly more than 200 and produces Celcor substrates, which are the ceramic filters at the heart of catalytic converters in cars and trucks. The filters help convert carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and other auto emissions into carbon dioxide and water.

The expansion is good economic news for both Montgomery County and workers at the plant. The company chose to expand the New River Valley plant over a larger factory in Erwin, N.Y., and a smaller one in Germany largely because there will be a minimal amount of new construction required.

Plant spokesman John Yearick said the company won't know how many employees will be hired until construction begins. Most likely that will occur during the third quarter of this year, he said.|