Manufacturing plays a central role in North Carolina’s economy, with Governor Josh Stein officially designating September 29 through October 4 as North Carolina Manufacturing Week. The state holds the eighth-largest manufacturing economy in the country and leads the Southeast in manufacturing workforce size.
Governor Stein stated, “Valued at $108.1 billion, manufacturing is the third-largest contributor to our state’s thriving economy. More than 11,400 manufacturing businesses call North Carolina home. Our great business climate and continued investments in workforce training and post-secondary education enable North Carolina to attract manufacturers across all sectors.”
Data from the Labor and Economic Analysis Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce shows that each dollar spent on manufacturing results in an additional $2.01 for the state’s economy.
In 2024, manufactured goods made up 94% of all exports from North Carolina, totaling $40.4 billion. These exports included pharmaceuticals, chemicals, aerospace components, non-ferrous metals, semiconductors, and textiles.
Economic development announcements last year highlighted that manufacturing accounted for three-quarters of new projects involving company relocations or expansions. This resulted in nearly 13,900 new jobs within the sector.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said, “From life sciences to aerospace, North Carolina is a magnet for world-class manufacturers that are building a thriving future. With a skilled workforce of more than 465,600 North Carolinians, a well-connected transportation infrastructure in a central East Coast location, and excellent quality of life, North Carolina will continue to compete and lead in today’s global market.”
Since January 2025 when Governor Stein took office, almost 27,000 new jobs have been announced along with more than $19 billion in investments statewide. Of these figures, over 18,600 jobs and $6.6 billion were specifically tied to manufacturing initiatives—including significant projects from companies such as JetZero, Jabil, AVL Manufacturing, Genentech, and Prolec-GE Wauskesha.
For further details about Manufacturing Week or to view Governor Stein’s proclamation visit the official announcement page.
