Press Releases

Four North Carolinians have won NCWorks Awards of Distinction for outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. The recipients received awards on Thursday, October 24 during a ceremony held in Greensboro as part of the 32nd annual NCWorks Partnership Conference.

Microsoft Corp. (NYSE: MSFT), a technology company, will create 430 new jobs in Mecklenburg County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $23 million to expand their operations in Charlotte.  “Global companies like Microsoft can choose anywhere in the world to expand, and again a highly recognizable brand has decided North Carolina is the right fit,” said Governor Cooper. “Today’s announcement means the company and Mecklenburg County will grow stronger because of this investment in the campus and the people around it.”

The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.5 percent.

Carolina Botanicals, a company formed to process industrial hemp, will create 30 jobs as it establishes operations in Columbus County, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today.  The company will invest $3.46 million in its new facility, located in Tabor City. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of the growing market for hemp-related products,” said Secretary Copeland. “And we know companies like Carolina Botanicals will find success here with our strong agricultural footprint, solid economy and available workforce.”

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 24 grant requests to local governments totaling $7,799,500, N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 1,312 jobs, 863 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $262 million in private investment.  

Gildan Yarns, a yarn-spinning company, will create 85 jobs in Rockingham County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest approximately $5 million to revamp and operate a new yarn spinning mill in Eden. “Eden and Gildan Yarns have been great economic partners, and it makes sense with their existing presence and the strong workforce that they would expand,” said Governor Cooper.

Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc., a global aerospace company, will create 126 new jobs in Granville County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The manufacturer will invest $2.7 million to expand their facility in Butner. “Today, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, with another global manufacturer selecting North Carolina to expand their operations,” said Governor Cooper. “Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing’s decision is a confirmation to our great quality of life, excellent business climate, and strong manufacturing workforce.”

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 26 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 40, and remained unchanged in 34. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Eleven of the state’s 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases while four remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.5 percent. The August not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.3 percent.

Pallet Consultants of North Carolina, a manufacturer and distributor of pallets, will create 50 new jobs in Harnett County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $3.1 million to establish a new plant in Dunn. “With more than 470,000 workers, North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast. We know Pallet Consultants can expand with great confidence in our state’s workforce, economy and quality of life,” said Governor Cooper.

The state’s seasonally adjusted August unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, remaining unchanged from July’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged from July’s rate of 3.7 percent. North Carolina’s August 2019 unemployment rate increased 0.5 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 14,493 over the month to 4,899,921 and increased 105,441 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 123 over the month to 212,218 and increased 25,594 over the year.