Press Releases

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.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in April. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.1 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.8 percent. The April not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent. 

Broad River Retail, LLC, an Ashley HomeStore licensee, will create 161 jobs as it locates a distribution center in Johnston County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $2 million in the new facility, to be located in Four Oaks. “North Carolina’s strong workforce and critical transportation networks make it a natural fit for retailers working to deliver products quickly,” said Governor Cooper. “Broad River Retail’s new distribution hub in Johnston County will mean job growth and fuel economic expansion in the Four Oaks area.”