Press Releases

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 76 of North Carolina’s counties in November, decreased in six, and remained unchanged in 18. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.5 percent while Watauga County had the lowest at 4.2 percent. Ten of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, one decreased, and four remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville had the highest rate at 8.4 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill had the lowest at 5.2 percent. The November not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 6.1 percent.

Intercontinental Capital Group Inc, a direct mortgage lender specializing in single-family residential properties, will significantly expand its Charlotte operations, adding 500 jobs over the coming five years, Governor Roy Copper announced today. The company’s plans in Mecklenburg County include a capital investment of $5,844,450. “Growing companies like Intercontinental Capital Group choose North Carolina for their expansion plans because of our tech-ready workforce and strong leadership, even during a global pandemic,” Governor Cooper said.

American Fuji Seal Inc, part of Japan’s Fuji Seal International, will establish new production operations in Catawba County that will employ up to 101 workers by 2025, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The packaging solutions provider plans to invest $52 million at its new site in Hickory.

The state’s seasonally adjusted November unemployment rate was 6.2 percent, remaining unchanged from October’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 6.7 percent. North Carolina’s November 2020 unemployment rate increased 2.6 percentage points from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 28,320 over the month to 4,656,817 and decreased 261,796 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 2,650 over the month to 308,905 and increased 123,267 over the year.

Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSHA), a patient-centric gene therapy company, has selected Durham as a site for its gene therapy manufacturing facility, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The site is expected to create approximately 200 jobs over the next two and a half years. The Research Triangle area project confirms North Carolina’s growing role in gene therapy, a promising approach for fighting a host of challenging genetic diseases.

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 30 grant requests to local governments totaling $12,969,015, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 839 jobs, 464 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $528 million in private investment.  

Integro Technologies Corp., an industrial automation company, will create 30 new jobs, over five years, in Rowan County with a $2.67 million investment for additional assembly, logistic solution prototyping and manufacturing space in Salisbury, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. “Today’s expansion by Integro Technologies showcases our state’s productive, tech-savvy workforce,” Governor Cooper said. “This homegrown North Carolina company provides customized inspection solutions that meet the fast-changing needs of global industry and will grow jobs in Rowan County.”

Huvepharma, Inc., a global biomanufacturer, will expand its poultry vaccine plant in Scotland County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $1.9 million and add 10 new jobs as it expands its Maxton facility to include more manufacturing and warehouse space. “North Carolina’s focus on building a well-trained biotech workforce continues to pay dividends in new jobs and new investments like Huvepharma’s announcement today in Scotland County,” said Governor Cooper.

Grover Gaming Inc., a software development and design company with offices and distribution facilities in seven U.S. states, will expand its Greenville headquarters, adding 200 positions to its existing North Carolina workforce, Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The company will invest $12.5 million in its operations in Pitt County during the coming four years.

Farmina Pet Food USA, a provider of scientifically-developed foods and personalized nutrition services for dogs and cats, will establish its North American headquarters in Reidsville, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company’s plans in Rockingham County include the creation of 129 jobs over five years and a capital investment of nearly $28.5 million.