Governor McCrory Salutes North Carolina Manufacturing

, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed September 28 through October 2, 2015 as Manufacturing Week in North Carolina. Since Governor McCrory took office in January 2013, North Carolina has added more than 230,000 new jobs, including 18,600 in the manufacturing segment alone. Manufacturers employ more than 448,000 North Carolinians.
 
“North Carolina’s manufacturers are an important part of the backbone of this state’s economy,” said Governor McCrory. “Whether it’s in our traditional industries such as textiles or furniture, or in automotive, aerospace or high-tech, North Carolina’s manufacturing segment helps make our state a major factor in this country’s economic growth.”
 
Today, Governor McCrory visited the GE Aviation facility in Durham where he signed the proclamation. The company has had a presence in Durham for more than 20 years and manufactures a variety of engines for GE and its joint venture partners. GE Aviation employs more than 370 at its Durham location. Durham is one of four GE Aviation facilities across North Carolina, employing more than 1,400 across the state. The facility has shipped more than 14,000 engines and cores since opening its doors in 1993.
 
North Carolina ranks first across southeastern states for manufacturing jobs and is home to more than 10,000 manufacturing businesses. Manufacturing remains North Carolina’s largest industry sector comprising slightly more than $88 billion or 20 percent of the state’s gross domestic product. Studies show that for every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, $1.66 is generated for North Carolina’s economy.
 
“As we work to continue growing North Carolina’s economy, manufacturing is an important part of the equation,” said Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III.  “Whether it is recruiting new industry to the state or helping our existing companies expand, North Carolina’s reputation of having the most productive workforce of the top manufacturing states carries a lot of weight in those efforts.”
 
To learn more about Manufacturing Week and for a copy of the governor’s proclamation, visit http://governor.nc.gov/document/manufacturing-week-and-day.