Press Releases

In an effort to promote inclusive hiring practices for businesses across North Carolina and improve the state’s labor supply, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has spearheaded an educational campaign on Autism Acceptance Month. The department has provided a series of outreach and engagement activities designed to educate staff on the meaning and prevalence of autism, sharing resources for neurodiverse staff and family, and promoting programs that increase employment for ASD individuals.

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 15 grant requests to local governments totaling $3,840,156, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 649 jobs, 215 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $351 million in private investment.    

Technimark, LLC, a manufacturing solutions provider for the healthcare and consumer packaging markets, will expand its healthcare production operations in Randolph County, creating 220 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $62 million to support growth in its healthcare and consumer packaging markets.

Vanguard Furniture Company, Inc., a North Carolina furniture manufacturer, will add 100 new jobs in Burke County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $5.9 million for an expansion of its upholstery manufacturing operations to Morganton. “North Carolina continues to be the global leader for furniture manufacturing,” said Governor Cooper. “Vanguard’s decision to expand in our state affirms that our quality of life and skilled workforce can provide a thriving business climate that brings success.”

The state’s seasonally adjusted March 2022 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, decreasing 0.2 of a percentage point from February’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.6 percent. North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 1.7 percentage points from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 25,123 over the month to 4,853,239 and increased 191,889 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 9,880 over the month to 177,303 and decreased 80,734 over the year.

North Carolina continues to make progress in its overall innovation capacity, rising one place in its national ranking, but the state still needs to encourage more private-sector research and development activities, according to the latest edition of a closely watched report on innovation in North Carolina.

CertainTeed, a manufacturer of building products, will add 37 new jobs in Granville County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $118.8 million to expand its roofing shingle manufacturing facility in Oxford. “CertainTeed’s expansion is a great indicator of North Carolina’s manufacturing economy,” said Governor Cooper. “Aside from accolades for being the best place to do business, companies in our state know the advantages of operating here, including our dedicated, well-trained workforce and our great quality of life.”

Nucor (NYSE: NUE), the largest producer of steel in the United States, will locate a new micro mill steel plant in the city of Lexington in Davidson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will create at least 180 jobs and invest $350 million to establish the manufacturing site for producing steel bar and rebar.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 50 of North Carolina’s counties in February, increased in 12, and remained unchanged in 38. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.9 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 2.5 percent. Nine of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, one increased, and five remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 6.2 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill had the lowest at 2.9 percent. The February not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.

Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), the iconic American retailer, will invest more than $584 million to build its first automated fulfillment center in the Town of China Grove, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Once fully operational, the company says it plans to employ 2,800 new jobs in Rowan County.