It was no surprise to Tommy Shirley that Corning’s Harrodsburg (HAKY) plant was recognized among the 2021 Best Places to Work in Kentucky on Thursday. He’s known that as long as he can remember.

“To me, Corning is family,” said Tommy, a third-generation Corning employee and Facilities & Services Manager. As a child, Tommy used to walk his father home from the same plant that his grandfather helped build in 1952.  “It’s amazing to me how much our glass, manufactured from this little town in Kentucky, impacts the world.”

Each year, the Best Companies Group in Kentucky selects companies using a two-step assessment: 1) A company survey about policies, practices, and employee demographics; 2) An employee survey on culture, work environment, leadership, planning, and relationships with supervisors. And, Corning has placed within the large-sized employer category for 13 consecutive years.

“This recognition demonstrates our continuous commitment to Corning’s Values, especially the value of The Individual,” said Pamela Williamson, plant Human Resources manager and Positive Work Environment leader. “The hard work and dedication of each and every Harrodsburg employee has ensured our continued success and has truly made HAKY a place where people enjoy coming to work.”

There’s an inspiring air of innovation at the HAKY plant. In a town with fewer than 9,000 residents, the HAKY plant is Corning’s longest-running U.S.-based manufacturing facility and serves as its global glass technology center, working with scientists at Sullivan Park in Erwin, New York, to develop advanced glass solutions for next-gen technologies.

In fact, in March, Fast Company recognized Corning within its annual listing of Most Innovative Companies and as first in the Consumer Electronics category. Over the last decade, the Harrodsburg facility has contributed to producing many generations of Gorilla Glass as well as other innovations for the mobile consumer electronics industry.

“We have established a tradition of being a special place to work,” said John Antonelli, plant manager. “Our employees are extremely proud of what they do – and they should be. Without this team, accomplishments such as these wouldn’t be possible.”

In his 32 years at the company, Tommy has seen employees’ ideas become reality. “I’m constantly in awe of the work my colleagues accomplish here,” said Tommy.

It’s that combination of innovation and support that drives HAKY’s success. Built on community, the future at Harrodsburg is sparkling bright.