Press Releases

The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.4 of a percentage point to 4.8 percent. North Carolina’s September 2021 unemployment rate decreased 3.1 percentage points from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 15,497 over the month to 4,810,394 and increased 167,700 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 5,074 over the month to 211,500 and decreased 152,782 over the year.

WestRock Company [NYSE:WRK], a global manufacturer of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, will create 50 new jobs in Catawba County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $47 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Claremont.

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 22 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,742,465, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 663 jobs, 246 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $230.9 million in private investment.   

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that an innovative manufacturer, a virtual internship initiative, and four individual North Carolinians have won NCWorks Awards of Distinction for outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. The recipients were recognized during the 34th annual NCWorks Partnership Conference, organized by the N.C. Department of Commerce and held this year in a virtual format.

Custom Alloy Corporation (CAC), a heavy manufacturer of pipe fittings and forgings has selected Stanly County for a new industrial operation, creating 40 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $8.1 million in a facility located in Badin that will produce products for the U.S. Navy.

Hubbell Power Systems, Inc. a global manufacturer of electrical power products for utilities will expand operations in North Carolina with an $8.9 million investment in the City of Rocky Mount, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will add 73 new jobs with today’s decision.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce invites employers across the state to participate in an innovative new survey to measure current business conditions in North Carolina.  The new ‘Business Pulse Survey,’ conducted by the Commerce Department in partnership with the NCWorks Commission and myFutureNC, will offer timely insights into the state of the economy and will be the first survey of its kind undertaken by the state. The initiative comes in the wake of a period of rapid change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pöppelmann Plastics USA LLC, a plastics manufacturer, will create 133 new jobs in Catawba County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $19.2 million to increase its manufacturing campus in the City of Claremont. “We are pleased with Pöppelmann’s decision to expand their U.S. production facility here in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina companies know that our infrastructure, quality of life and capable workforce are great advantages in their success."

New data from a research study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association provides visitor spending totals in all 100 North Carolina counties for 2020.  Information from the study, first released in May of this year, previously showed statewide visitor spending dropped 32 percent last year, due primarily to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 coronavirus.  The new data shows revenue losses were felt most keenly in urban areas, with some smaller destinations seeing gains.

Pharmaceutical manufacturer, Cambrex Corporation, will create 78 new jobs in Guilford County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $30 million to expand its manufacturing center of excellence in High Point. “We are excited to celebrate Cambrex’s expansion on National Manufacturing Day,” said Governor Cooper. “When thriving pharmaceutical companies continue manufacturing life-changing medicines in North Carolina, it validates our reputation as a place where life science companies can flourish and do groundbreaking work.”