Press Releases

Policygenius, a fast-growing online insurance platform, will locate a new technical and operations center in Durham County, creating at least 377 jobs over the next five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest nearly $6 million in Durham. "Policygenius joins a growing number of high-tech firms choosing the Research Triangle because of North Carolina’s ability to meet their talent needs. Our high-tech workforce continues to be a big reason for our state’s growth,” said Governor Cooper.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in five of North Carolina’s counties in July, decreased in 70, and remained unchanged in 25. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.4 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Twelve of the state’s 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases while three remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.0 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.5 percent. The July not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.4 percent.

Kitsbow, a specialty clothing manufacturer based in California, will create 53 new jobs in McDowell County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $890,000 in operating a manufacturing and distribution facility in Old Fort. “Kitsbow’s decision to move their manufacturing facility to Old Fort is exciting news for McDowell County,” said Governor Cooper. “This new plant means growth for the whole area and good jobs for the people who will power production.”

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 11 grant requests August 22 to local governments totaling $3,767,500, N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced. The requests include commitments to create a total of 245 jobs, 54 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $59 million in private investment.  

Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, a process equipment maker, will create 90 new jobs as it expands its operations in Pasquotank County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $6 million with an expansion in Elizabeth City. “New jobs in Elizabeth City keep happening because the county and town are doing the right things to attract businesses,” said Governor Cooper. “Local effort to create a great place to live and welcome talented workers originally brought Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation to our state 35 years ago and is why they are expanding again today.”

The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged from June’s revised rate of 3.7 percent. North Carolina’s July 2019 unemployment rate increased 0.4 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 17,620 over the month to 4,885,696 and increased 92,864 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 1,295 over the month to 212,072 and increased 22,428 over the year.

Record visitor spending in 2018 was reflected with visitor spending increases in all 100 counties, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

The NCWorks Commission gave formal approval to the state’s first Energy Career Pathway during its quarterly meeting on Aug. 7, held at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont in Charlotte.

Xerox (NYSE: XRX), a Fortune 500 technology company, will build a new Center of Excellence in Cary, creating 600 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $18.4 million in Wake County. “Xerox, which had many locations to choose from, selected North Carolina because they know we can offer the highly-skilled workers they need, both now and in the future,” said Governor Cooper.

Telephonics Corporation, a communication system company, will create 75 jobs as it expands its operations in Pasquotank County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $5.5 million in a new facility, located in Elizabeth City. “North Carolina has the second largest aerospace cluster in the U.S.,” said Governor Cooper. “Telephonics Corporation can see Pasquotank County’s growing infrastructure and main street development, along with a strong workforce to fuel their expansion in Elizabeth City.”