Press Releases

BrightFarms, a packaged salads company, will create 54 jobs in Henderson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $21 million to operate a hydroponic greenhouse in the Etowah community of Henderson County. “Agriculture has always been a strong driver in North Carolina, and BrightFarms’ expansion is good for our state. They are committed to conserving water, land and energy resources while growing their business--green economic development that is good for the company, the community and the workers who will support them,” said Governor Cooper.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in September. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.7 percent. The September not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent

Four North Carolinians have won NCWorks Awards of Distinction for outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. The recipients received awards on Thursday, October 24 during a ceremony held in Greensboro as part of the 32nd annual NCWorks Partnership Conference.

Microsoft Corp. (NYSE: MSFT), a technology company, will create 430 new jobs in Mecklenburg County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $23 million to expand their operations in Charlotte.  “Global companies like Microsoft can choose anywhere in the world to expand, and again a highly recognizable brand has decided North Carolina is the right fit,” said Governor Cooper. “Today’s announcement means the company and Mecklenburg County will grow stronger because of this investment in the campus and the people around it.”

The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.5 percent.

Carolina Botanicals, a company formed to process industrial hemp, will create 30 jobs as it establishes operations in Columbus County, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today.  The company will invest $3.46 million in its new facility, located in Tabor City. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of the growing market for hemp-related products,” said Secretary Copeland. “And we know companies like Carolina Botanicals will find success here with our strong agricultural footprint, solid economy and available workforce.”

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 24 grant requests to local governments totaling $7,799,500, N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 1,312 jobs, 863 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $262 million in private investment.  

Gildan Yarns, a yarn-spinning company, will create 85 jobs in Rockingham County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest approximately $5 million to revamp and operate a new yarn spinning mill in Eden. “Eden and Gildan Yarns have been great economic partners, and it makes sense with their existing presence and the strong workforce that they would expand,” said Governor Cooper.

Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc., a global aerospace company, will create 126 new jobs in Granville County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The manufacturer will invest $2.7 million to expand their facility in Butner. “Today, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, with another global manufacturer selecting North Carolina to expand their operations,” said Governor Cooper. “Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing’s decision is a confirmation to our great quality of life, excellent business climate, and strong manufacturing workforce.”

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 26 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 40, and remained unchanged in 34. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Eleven of the state’s 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases while four remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.5 percent. The August not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.3 percent.