Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center recently announced the launch of the NC Main to Main Trail, a tourism-based economic development initiative that leverages North Carolina’s regional, cultural and natural assets for prosperity in Main Street communi

The state’s seasonally adjusted March unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, decreasing 0.5 of a percentage point from February’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 6.0 percent.

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 11 grant requests to local governments totaling $3,702,500, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 486 jobs, 40 of which were previously announced.

Polykemi AB, a Swedish manufacturer of plastic compounds, will create 22 new jobs in Gaston County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $11.8 million to locate its first U.S. production facility in the Gastonia Technology Park.

Abzena Holdings (US) LLC, a life sciences contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), will locate a significant biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Lee County, creating 325 jobs and investing $213 million in Sanford, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

Gusmer Enterprises, Inc., a manufacturer of filtration and fermentation products, will create 73 new jobs in Catawba County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $26.5 million to build a production facility in Hickory.

Pipeline Plastics Holdings, LLC, a leading manufacturer of high-performance industrial pipeline systems, will create 44 new jobs in Columbus County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $4.6 million in a new production facility in Fair Bluff.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 96 of North Carolina’s counties in February, increased in three, and remained unchanged in one. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.9 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 4.0 percent.

AP Emissions Technologies, an automotive exhaust manufacturer, will create 96 new jobs in Wayne County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $400,000 to expand its e-commerce operations in Goldsboro.

American Racing Headers & Exhaust, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of stainless-steel headers and exhaust system components, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Stanly County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $4.37 million and a