Press Releases

KriGen Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a pharmaceutical company, selects Harnett County for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. KriGen will create 100 jobs while investing $7 million in Lillington. “North Carolina is a leader in life science research and development, as well as pharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Governor Cooper. “With our strong workforce and room to grow, KriGen has made a great choice for its first North American manufacturing operation and we welcome the new jobs and investment to Harnett County.”

Two North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant recipients, “Swamp Thing” and “Uncle Frank”, recently wrapped production in the Wilmington area. Combined, the productions are expected to generate a direct in-state spend of more than $75 million. The productions created more than 1,500 job opportunities in the state, including more than 800 cast and crew positions.

Greenheck Group, an international manufacturer of commercial and industrial ventilation equipment, has selected Cleveland County for a major expansion of their presence in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Greenheck will create more than 400 jobs and invest $58.8 million in Shelby.

Parexel International Corporation, one of the world’s leading contract research and services companies serving the biopharmaceuticals industry, will open a second U.S. headquarters in the State of North Carolina, adding 264 jobs in Durham County and the state, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Parexel will invest $1.7 million in the facility as it locates several headquarters functions to the state, including a range of operational and professional support functions.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in April. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.1 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.8 percent. The April not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent. 

Broad River Retail, LLC, an Ashley HomeStore licensee, will create 161 jobs as it locates a distribution center in Johnston County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $2 million in the new facility, to be located in Four Oaks. “North Carolina’s strong workforce and critical transportation networks make it a natural fit for retailers working to deliver products quickly,” said Governor Cooper. “Broad River Retail’s new distribution hub in Johnston County will mean job growth and fuel economic expansion in the Four Oaks area.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced this week, in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), that $29 million is available for Appalachian communities through a new Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative.

AmeriQual Aseptic, a food processing company, will create 76 jobs as it expands its operations in Montgomery County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $23.8 million in expanding its current facility, located in Troy. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of a manufacturer finding success doing business in North Carolina and expanding their footprint here,” Gov. Cooper said. “For companies like AmeriQual, our strong economy and top-flight workforce make the decision simple.”

The NCWorks Commission approved a new two-year strategic plan and certified local Career Centers while meeting at the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington on May 15. The strategic plan, entitled “Preparing North Carolina’s Workforce for Today and Tomorrow,” is aligned with Governor Roy Cooper’s “NC Job Ready” initiative.

Raleigh, N.C. —  The state’s seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, remaining unchanged from March’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.6 percent.