Press Releases

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.  

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.

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.”

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.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of commercial and sporting firearms, will grow its North Carolina workforce with an expansion at its Rockingham County production facility, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company’s goal is to add roughly 60 jobs and invest approximately $10 million at its site in Mayodan over the next three years.

Riverside Furniture Corporation, a furniture and home furnishings manufacturer, will create 50 new jobs with a $5.4 million investment for a warehouse and distribution center in Caswell County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. “Growing companies know they can succeed with North Carolina’s skilled workforce, location, and infrastructure to support their distribution operations. Riverside Furniture’s increased presence fits with North Carolina’s reputation as the furniture capital of the world,” said Governor Cooper.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in October. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.5 percent while Watauga County had the lowest at 4.1 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville had the highest rate at 8.3 percent while Raleigh and Durham-Chapel Hill each had the lowest at 5.3 percent. The October not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 6.1 percent.