Germany

Global Business Expansion for German Companies

271

German Firms with Operations in North Carolina

37.5K

People Working For German Companies

#1

Top State for Business (CNBC, 2025)

North Carolina Field
Expand to the US

Why German Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina
 

North Carolina offers German companies a business-friendly climate with competitive operating costs, a pro-regulatory environment, and strong infrastructure that supports advanced manufacturing operations. The state’s apprenticeship programs align with German workforce development standards, while its central East Coast location provides efficient access to major US markets. German companies also benefit from North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing capabilities in automotive, machinery, and life sciences sectors that complement German engineering excellence. The state’s skilled workforce, world-class research universities, and commitment to technical training create an ideal environment for German companies seeking to establish or expand their American operations. 

SCHOTT Pharma USA to Invest $371M for New Manufacturing Facility in Wilson, Creating 401 Jobs

SCHOTT Pharma USA, Inc., a global specialty glass and material technology company, will invest $371 million for a new facility in Wilson, North Carolina, to manufacture tubing, pre-finish products, and ceramics for its home tech and pharma business units. The project will create 401 jobs in Wilson County.

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Siemens Energy Expands in Mecklenburg County

Siemens Energy, Inc., one of the world’s leading energy technology companies and a long-standing North Carolina employer will expand its operations in the state, creating a total of 559 jobs and an investment of $149.8 million in Mecklenburg County.

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German Investment by the Numbers

116
New and Expanding German Companies Since 2014
5
Daily Flights to Frankfurt and Munich (From CLT and RDU)
$6.8B
in Goods Imported from Germany to North Carolina (2024) 
2
Honorary Consuls 
17,900+
German Born Residents Living in North Carolina
11
German Breweries and Biergartens

Strategic Location

With half of the American population within a day’s drive, North Carolina is strategically positioned in the middle of the United States’ East Coast. Four international airports and two deep sea ports put many customers and suppliers within reach.

Proximity map of NC

Strong German Culture 

Nearly 9% of North Carolinians have German ancestry, and 15,400 Germans have immigrated here in the last 5 years. Award-winning German breweries, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt celebrations, and German language schools will make you feel at home.

North Carolina Strong German Culture

Custom Apprenticeship Programs 

North Carolina’s 58 community colleges offer custom apprenticeship development opportunities through the ApprenticeshipNC program. German companies such as Siemens Energy, GlaxoSmith Kline, Ziehl-Abegg, and Schunk have taken advantage of it.

North Carolina Apprencticeships

Speed to Market

You don’t have to navigate complicated tax structures or bureaucratic red tape to do business in North Carolina. We have a top business tax environment and are full of resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.

aerial view of heavy machinery on construction site

German Companies Prosper in North Carolina 

Some prominent German companies that have already established themselves in this state include: 

Daimler Truck 

Deutsche Bank

Bosch 

DEHN, Inc 

Fresenius Kabi 

Ziehl-Abegg 

KACO

BSN Medical 

Lufthansa

Siemens 

North Carolina has a rich talent pool of candidates with diverse experience, coupled with a network of top ranked universities. The region’s concentration of competitive companies enhances the ability to learn and knowledge-share.

FAQs

  • What US states have apprenticeship programs and workforce support for German manufacturers?

    North Carolina stands out for German manufacturers with its combination of proven workforce strength and tailored apprenticeship support. The state’s 5.5 million-strong labor force already includes 37,500 employees working for German companies, demonstrating both the talent pool’s quality and cultural fit. 

    What makes North Carolina particularly attractive is NC Edge, a state-funded apprenticeship program that creates customized training solutions designed around each company’s specific needs. Unlike generic workforce programs, NC Edge adapts to your operational requirements, and the state covers the training costs. 

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  • How can German businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?

    German companies looking to expand in the United States will receive customized, end-to-end support through North Carolina. Our team works directly with your company to understand your goals and connect you with statewide resources and partners through every step of the business relocation process—from site selection and workforce solutions to incentives, regulatory guidance, and local market insights.

    North Carolina is also home to a growing German business presence, and a growing German community with more than 17,900+ German-born residents living in the state. There are two honorary consuls to Germany that provide additional consular support and serves as a valuable resource for German companies and citizens in the state. 

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  • Which German companies have operations in North Carolina?

    There are 271 German firms with operations in North Carolina, employing more than 37,500 people. Some of these notable firms include Daimler Truck, Deutsche Bank, Bosch, Dehn, Siemens, Lufthansa, and more. 

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Explore NC is a quarterly newsletter for companies interested in expanding their business to North Carolina. Each edition highlights a growing industry, recent project announcements, and more.

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Anders Victor

Anders Victor

Director of Business Development
Luigi Mercuri

Luigi Mercuri

Managing Director,
Europe Investment Office
Michael Ritschl

Michael Ritschl

Director, Europe Investment Office
Mattia Silvestrin

Mattia Silvestrin

International Expansion Executive,
Europe Investment Office