Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce released the county tier designations for 2019 today.  The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.

Reser’s Fine Foods will expand its current operations in Halifax County, creating 79 jobs over the next 5 years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $3.2 million in Halifax with the project. “Halifax County is a prime location for manufacturers with strategic access to rail and road transport,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “That transportation and distribution infrastructure, coupled with an experienced manufacturing workforce, made it the right choice for Reser’s to stay in North Carolina.” 

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in October. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.8 percent. The October not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.4 percent.

JBB Packaging, LLC, a plastic packaging manufacturer, will open a new plastic film manufacturing facility in Halifax County, creating 50 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $11 million in Weldon with the project.

Advance Auto Parts, Inc., (NYSE: AAP) will designate Raleigh as its corporate headquarters and expand operations in Wake County by adding up to 435 new jobs over five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. These roles will enable the company to add value for customers and shareholders and enhance its omnichannel business. Advance’s long-term integration plans and continued development of technology, eCommerce and digital platforms will be led in large part by teams based in Raleigh.

Cascades Holdings U.S., Inc. (Cascades) has selected Scotland County for a significant expansion of its operations. The company will invest $58 million and create 66 new jobs over two years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

Era Polymers Corporation, an Australian manufacturer specializing in polyurethane chemistry, will open its first industrial facility in the United States, creating 20 new jobs in Gaston County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $9.2 million in Stanley.

The state’s seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, decreasing 0.2 of a percentage point from September’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged at 3.7 percent. North Carolina’s October 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.9 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 5,244 over the month to 4,810,957 and increased 63,798 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 5,911 over the month to 181,435 and decreased 39,887 over the year.

Sanritsu Logistics will open a new warehouse and manufacturing plant in Rockingham County, creating 24 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The international and domestic logistics services company plans to invest $9 million in Reidsville and will service clients throughout the southeastern United States.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in September. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.4 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.6 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.5 percent. The September not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.1 percent.