North Carolina Overview Brochure
Largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast & the lowest corporate income tax in the US. No wonder North Carolina is where businesses thrive.
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Western North Carolina
Mountains Region
Elevate Your Business In North Carolina’s Mountains
Nestled in Western North Carolina, the Mountains region combines a storied manufacturing legacy with stunning natural beauty and an exceptional quality of life. With a manufacturing workforce 77% more concentrated than the national average, this region attracts advanced manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation, and Forza X1. Companies benefit from North Carolina’s low business costs, highly skilled and educated workforce, megasite availability, and strategic highway access, all set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents of this area enjoy an unmatched lifestyle with year-round outdoor recreation from hiking and skiing to world-class fly fishing, Asheville’s renowned foodie scene, and a cost of living below the national average—making it easy to attract and retain top talent in one of America’s most beautiful regions.
Why NC
From its manufacturing potential and talented workforce to its supreme quality of life, North Carolina’s Mountains region is attracting all sorts of business and talent.
77%
Higher Concentration Manufacturing Labor Force than National Avg
More About Advanced ManufacturingWHY NC
Life’s Better in the Mountains
Residents of this region wake up to scenic mountain views and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and skiing. Award-winning restaurants and breweries pair well with a cost of living that’s lower than the national average.
A Legacy of Makers
Western North Carolina has a storied legacy of furniture, textile, and wood product manufacturing. Its furniture workforce, textile workforce, and wood product workforce are 9x, 7x, and 2x more concentrated than the national average, respectively.
A Peak Workforce Pipeline
The western region has 19 colleges and universities supplying companies with a pipeline of technically skilled workers. Over 27,000 students are enrolled in its community colleges, while its three public universities award 7,000 degrees annually.
Manufacturing Companies Are Making the Hike
Companies are taking advantage of the region’s workforce and quality of life. Electric transportation manufacturer, Forza X1, is coming to McDowell County, while Pratt & Whitney and GE Aviation announced major expansions in Asheville.
Companies in Western North Carolina
Discover Your Place in Western North Carolina
Encompassing small towns and a vibrant metro area, this eclectic region strikes the perfect balance between city and outdoor living.
Asheville Chamber Uncorked Asheville Authentic Asheville
This region offers a laid-back mountain lifestyle, with breathtaking landscapes and an array of activities year-round.
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FAQs
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What industries are strong in Western North Carolina?
Western North Carolina excels in manufacturing, with exceptional strength in furniture, textiles, and wood products. The furniture workforce is concentrated at nine times the national average, textiles at seven times, and wood products at double the national rate.
The region is also growing in food and beverage production, electric vehicle components, and aerospace. Companies like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Tyson Foods, electric boat manufacturer Forza X1, and notable aerospace companies Pratt & Whitney and GE Aviation have established operations here. With an 80,000-strong manufacturing workforce that’s 77% more concentrated than the national average and 21 colleges and universities producing skilled graduates, the region provides businesses with the technical talent needed to thrive.
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How can I find available sites or properties in Western North Carolina?
Finding the perfect site in Western North Carolina region is easy with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). Search our comprehensive database of available properties on our site selection website. Our interactive search tools allow you to filter by property size, building specifications, transportation access, utility infrastructure, and proximity to workforce and suppliers.
Contact our team to learn more about site options and schedule a site visit.
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What is the quality of life like in Western North Carolina?
Life in Western North Carolina offers year-round outdoor adventure set against the stunning Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Residents enjoy world-class hiking along the Appalachian Trail and 252 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, plus whitewater rafting, fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing—all easily accessible from home.
The region also boasts a thriving cultural scene, particularly in Asheville, the nation’s number one foodie destination. Award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, live music venues, art galleries, and charming downtown areas create vibrant community experiences. Whether you prefer the laid-back atmosphere of small mountain towns or Asheville’s eclectic urban-mountain vibe, western North Carolina delivers welcoming communities, stunning scenery, and an exceptional quality of life.
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Featured Resources
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News
Electric-Powered Boat and Motor Manufacturer to Make $10.5M Investment in McDowell County
Forza X1, an electric-powered boat and motor manufacturer, will build a new manufacturing facility in Marion,...
News
Pratt & Whitney Selects North Carolina for 800 Job Expansion
Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp. plans to invest approximately $650 million and...
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Regions of North Carolina
Explore North Carolina’s three distinct geographic regions—mountains, piedmont, and coastal plain—each offering unique landscapes, industries, and communities across the state.
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