Press Releases

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. 

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that Bharat Forge America, Inc. will build an aluminum forging plant to manufacture automobile components in Lee County, creating 304 jobs. The company will invest $127.3 million in Sanford. “Global industrial manufacturer Bharat Forge is making its largest overseas investment in Sanford because our quality workers along with our other resources will help drive demand for their products,” said Governor Cooper.

Kalyani Precision Machining, Inc. will build a new high-precision machine shop in Lee County, creating 156 jobs over five years.  The company will invest $43 million to build the plant in Sanford. The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s engagement and support for the company as it reached its decision to locate in North Carolina. 

Medline Industries, Incorporated, a manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, will create 250 new jobs in Orange County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $65 million to build a brand-new distribution center in Mebane. “Distribution centers of this size are the right fit for North Carolina. Our workers and Orange County are ready to be a part of Medline’s success” said Governor Cooper.

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) recently announced awards to recognize projects conducted by groups in North Carolina, including several innovative efforts by workforce development boards that are affiliated with regional councils of governments (COGs). Local workforce boards are key partners in the NCWorks system, along with the N.C. Department of Commerce and other agencies.

PCB Piezotronics of North Carolina, a designer and manufacturer of high-precision sensors used in a variety of test and measurement and industrial settings, will consolidate production operations currently located in China and California to its facility in Halifax County, creating 120 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest nearly $4.5 million in Halifax.

FFE Transportation Services, a temperature-controlled carrier, will create 96 new jobs in Nash County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $4.7 million in establishing a new service center in Rocky Mount. “More and more companies are choosing North Carolina for their operation,” said Governor Cooper. “They are looking to invest in a community with a steady pipeline of talent, the right location and a great quality of life. I know first-hand that Rocky Mount could not be a better fit for FFE.”

Carvana (NYSE: CVNA), a leading e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars will locate a new inspection and reconditioning facility in Cabarrus County, creating more than 400 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $30 million in Concord over the coming years. “The online marketplace only works for buyers and sellers when hardworking people are moving the supply chain forward. We know our quality workforce is a major reason why Carvana chose to grow and invest in our state,” said Governor Cooper.