economic development
Ice company manufacturing facility recruited to NC
Nov. 13. A manufacturer of specialty ice products will invest a cool $14.7 million in a new manufacturing facility in Forest City. Abstract Ice makes a variety of crystal-clear, slow-melting ice products that add panache to craft cocktails while lessening dilution. The new facility will create 26 new jobs. Primarily serving bars, grocery stores and […]
Good news: J&J will invest $2 billion in new Wilson, NC operation
Oct. 2. Johnson & Johnson (J&J) will create 420 jobs in Wilson County with a $2 billion investment in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus for innovative biologics in the City of Wilson. With expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, Johnson & Johnson is uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today […]
Mecklenburg County scores big in tourism spending statewide
Aug. 21. North Carolina visitor spending broke records in 2023, according to data released by the NC Department of Commerce. Travel spending statewide rose 6.9 percent to $35.6 billion in 2023 to set a record in visitor spending. That growth followed a record-breaking increase of 15 percent in 2022. Direct tourism employment also increased statewide […]
Homegrown Nucor will build $20 million fabrication facility
June 26. Nucor Rebar Fabrication, a division of the largest steelmaker in America, will invest more than $20 million in a new rebar fabrication facility in Davidson County. The construction services company fabricates, installs, and distributes rebar to a variety of infrastructure and building projects. The new rebar fabrication facility in Lexington will be adjacent […]
New statewide office will support music industry
June 24. A new statewide office to promote and celebrate North Carolina music, musicians and the music industry is being established within the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The new North Carolina Music Office will facilitate a multitude of music-based programming and investments across the state; enhance economic development spurred by creative economies; […]
Economic development agency on ‘strategic pause,’ executive director is out
June 21. Ryan McDaniels is out as the head of the Lake Norman Economic Development Corp. (LNEDC) after 11 years at the helm of the regional business retention and recruitment organization. He could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, the LNEDC will undertake a “strategic reevaluation” under the direction of its board which includes elected […]
Lithium battery company will bring 500+ jobs to Denver
May 4. Green New Energy Materials, a manufacturer of a key component used in lithium-ion batteries, will open a $140 million plant in Denver, creating 545 jobs. GNEM partners with LG, Samsung, SKI, AESC and Northvolt on battery separator products that are used in electric vehicles, energy storage and electric tools. Jay Zhu, general manager […]
Economic development hosts non-profit networking lunch
April 29. Lake Norman Economic Development (LNED) will hold a non-profit expo, “Connecting Our Communities,” May 14 at the Redline Facilities located at Birkdale Point. The event is designed to foster collaboration and engagement between local non-profits, businesses and community members. There will be food trucks on-site. Details Date: May 14 Time: 11 am to […]
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies expansion means 680 new jobs
April 14. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies North Carolina will invest $1.2 biillion in its biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Holly Springs. It means 680 jobs for Wake County, and, over the course of the next12 years, $4.7 billion for the state economy. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based FUJIFILM, develops life-saving products, such as recombinant proteins, […]
Orbus’ new $25 million plant in Huntersville means 100 new jobs
March 22. Orbus Visual Communications is opening a new $25 million manufacturing facility in Huntersville that will create 100 new jobs, in addition to the 86 jobs moving from Charlotte. Orbus is the nation’s largest producer of visual communications solutions for trade shows, retail environments and workplace interiors. Orbus, which acquired SEG Systems in 2022 […]
