Press Releases

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.

E-N-G Mobile Systems, LLC, a designer and manufacturer of specialized vehicles, will create 60 jobs as it locates its first East Coast operations in Cumberland County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company and a related company will invest $2.3 million in the new facility, located in Fayetteville. “Manufacturers know they can find the skilled workforce they need to grow here in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “E-N-G was looking to expand with its first location on the East Coast near the company’s diverse customer base and North Carolina is a perfect fit.”

Eight North Carolina communities hit hard by storms will get $2.7 million in special housing infrastructure grants to help develop more affordable housing, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The 2019 Rural Housing Recovery Fund, established through a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA), will help speed recovery in areas impacted by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

Loba-Wakol, LLC, a supplier to the wood and resilient flooring industry, will expand their operations in North Carolina, establishing a new distribution and warehouse facility in Anson County and creating 24 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $6.6 million in Wadesboro. “North Carolina offers an ideal location, skilled workforce, and strong transportation networks for international companies looking to expand their North American operations,” said Governor Cooper. “We’re proud to welcome this company and these new jobs to our state.”