Press Releases

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted May unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, increasing 0.1 of a percentage point from April’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged at 3.6 percent. North Carolina’s May 2019 unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 14,161 over the month to 4,852,204 and increased 64,656 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 4,474 over the month to 206,902 and increased 8,975 over the year. 

CleanAire, LLC, an air filtration manufacturing company that will be doing business as Pamlico Air will create 305 jobs as it expands its operations in Wilson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $10 million in operating a facility, located in Wilson.

Three new television and film projects have been approved to receive North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant funds. Combined, the projects are expected to generate a direct in-state spend in excess of $50.6 million. The productions will create more than 5,800 job opportunities in the state, including 1,120 crew positions for the state’s talented film workforce.

SynergyLabs, a fast-growing manufacturer of specialty pet products, has selected Burke County as the location for a new company that will create 237 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The enterprise will invest $11.2 million to ramp up a new manufacturing plant in Hildebran.  

Three North Carolina regions will receive technical assistance and coaching to boost key industries in their communities, Governor Roy Cooper announced. The project is a collaboration of key leaders from the Governor’s Office, the North Carolina Community College System, the NC Department of Commerce, EDPNC, the NCWorks Commission, and the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards to launch sector partnerships in North Carolina.

VBC | Manufacturing - Hamlet, a producer of pre-fabricated building components for the construction industry, will open a manufacturing facility in Richmond County, creating 130 new jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company, a division of the Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), will invest more than $12 million in Hamlet within the next three years.

KriGen Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a pharmaceutical company, selects Harnett County for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. KriGen will create 100 jobs while investing $7 million in Lillington. “North Carolina is a leader in life science research and development, as well as pharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Governor Cooper. “With our strong workforce and room to grow, KriGen has made a great choice for its first North American manufacturing operation and we welcome the new jobs and investment to Harnett County.”

Two North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant recipients, “Swamp Thing” and “Uncle Frank”, recently wrapped production in the Wilmington area. Combined, the productions are expected to generate a direct in-state spend of more than $75 million. The productions created more than 1,500 job opportunities in the state, including more than 800 cast and crew positions.

Greenheck Group, an international manufacturer of commercial and industrial ventilation equipment, has selected Cleveland County for a major expansion of their presence in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Greenheck will create more than 400 jobs and invest $58.8 million in Shelby.

Parexel International Corporation, one of the world’s leading contract research and services companies serving the biopharmaceuticals industry, will open a second U.S. headquarters in the State of North Carolina, adding 264 jobs in Durham County and the state, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Parexel will invest $1.7 million in the facility as it locates several headquarters functions to the state, including a range of operational and professional support functions.