Press Releases

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.

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.

Four North Carolinians have won NCWorks Awards of Distinction for outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pallet Consultants of North Carolina, a manufacturer and distributor of pallets, will create 50 new jobs in Harnett County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $3.1 million to establish a new plant in Dunn.