Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce invites employers across the state to participate in an innovative new survey to measure current business conditions in North Carolina.  The new ‘Business Pulse Survey,’ conducted by the Commerce Department in partnership with the NCWorks Commission and myFutureNC, will offer timely insights into the state of the economy and will be the first survey of its kind undertaken by the state. The initiative comes in the wake of a period of rapid change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hubbell Power Systems, Inc. a global manufacturer of electrical power products for utilities will expand operations in North Carolina with an $8.9 million investment in the City of Rocky Mount, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will add 73 new jobs with today’s decision.

Pöppelmann Plastics USA LLC, a plastics manufacturer, will create 133 new jobs in Catawba County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $19.2 million to increase its manufacturing campus in the City of Claremont. “We are pleased with Pöppelmann’s decision to expand their U.S. production facility here in North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina companies know that our infrastructure, quality of life and capable workforce are great advantages in their success."

New data from a research study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association provides visitor spending totals in all 100 North Carolina counties for 2020.  Information from the study, first released in May of this year, previously showed statewide visitor spending dropped 32 percent last year, due primarily to the public health emergency created by the COVID-19 coronavirus.  The new data shows revenue losses were felt most keenly in urban areas, with some smaller destinations seeing gains.

Pharmaceutical manufacturer, Cambrex Corporation, will create 78 new jobs in Guilford County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $30 million to expand its manufacturing center of excellence in High Point. “We are excited to celebrate Cambrex’s expansion on National Manufacturing Day,” said Governor Cooper. “When thriving pharmaceutical companies continue manufacturing life-changing medicines in North Carolina, it validates our reputation as a place where life science companies can flourish and do groundbreaking work.”

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 93 of North Carolina’s counties in August, increased in two, and remained unchanged in five. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.7 percent while Chatham, Avery, Ashe, and Orange Counties each had the lowest at 3.4 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount each had the highest rate at 6.4 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill and Raleigh each had the lowest at 3.7 percent.

Governor Roy Cooper and Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders issued statements this morning on INEOS Automotive’s decision to locate its new North American headquarters in Wake County. "Companies around the world know that North Carolina is a place where they can grow and thrive," said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. "We are excited that INEOS Automotive will locate its North American Headquarters here in Wake County and that we will be the national home of its flagship vehicle, the Grenadier.”

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK), a manufacturer of flooring products and accessories, will create 87 new jobs in Davidson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $87 million to grow the laminate manufacturing facility in Thomasville.

Vantaca, a software-as-a-service provider, will add 104 new jobs in New Hanover County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $4.9 million to expand its operations in Wilmington. “North Carolina is one of the fastest growing technology hubs in the nation,” said Governor Cooper. “When combined with our reputation for financial technology, a talented workforce and premier quality of life, it’s great news that Vantaca is expanding right here in its hometown of Wilmington.”

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that Corning Incorporated will invest $150 million to expand operations in Catawba County, creating 200 jobs in Hickory. “As we celebrate Manufacturing Week in our state, it’s exciting to see a global manufacturer like Corning expand yet again in a great rural county like Catawba,” said Governor Cooper. “Corning understands North Carolina’s strengths as a business location, thanks to their firsthand experience with our skilled workforce, customized training programs and great quality of life.”