For the third year in a row, North Carolina holds the No. 1 spot on Forbes magazine’s Best States for Business ranking.  North Carolina has ranked in the top five overall for 14 straight years, beginning when Forbes first started ranking all 50 states in 2006. In an article announcing the 2019 list, Forbes cites North Carolina’s regulatory environment,…

North Carolina tourism generated record visitor spending in 2018 with a total of $25.3 billion. The 5.6 percent increase from 2017 was North Carolina’s largest percentage growth in travel and tourism spending since 2011. Additionally, tourism industry-supported employment topped 230,000 jobs to set another record for the state. “Tourism is a major economic engine for…

North Carolina ranks No. 4 in the nation among the top-performing states in Chief Executive magazine’s 2019 Best and Worst States for Business survey. Chief Executive surveyed CEOs across the country about their opinions of all 50 states for the 2019 report. The results were released today. In its coverage of the award, the magazine…

Audentes Therapeutics, a genetic medicines company, will create 209 new jobs in Lee County, investing $109 million to locate a manufacturing facility in Sanford. “With our powerhouse research centers and highly-skilled workforce, biotech pioneers recognize North Carolina’s role as a leader in the life sciences,” said Governor Cooper. “Lee County is a perfect fit for…

Six North Carolina manufacturers received 2019 Governor’s Export Awards in a ceremony highlighting their growing sales success in international markets. These manufacturers make everything from cosmetics to heavy-duty plastic waste containers. North Carolina’s export of goods and services supports more than 400,000 jobs in the state, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution. “Manufacturing is…

Eli Lilly and Company, a global healthcare and biopharmaceutical company, will invest over $470 million and create more than 460 new jobs in Durham. The project will bring a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility to North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. “Life science companies like Lilly continue to choose North Carolina,” said Governor Cooper. “Our exceptional…

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, a provider of baked desserts, treats, and snacks, will create 108 jobs as it expands its food manufacturing center in Edgecombe County. The company will invest an additional $19.8 million in the bakery, located in Tarboro. “Food manufacturers like Sara Lee Frozen Bakery choose communities that can help them succeed and…

It’s been said that “A good tool improves the way you work. A great tool improves the way you think.” It’s no different in manufacturing. In this industry, successful machining depends on sharp, well-maintained cutting tools that not only ensure precision, but also speed. And the successful sharpening of these cutting tools is dependent upon…

Aircraft Solutions USA Inc., a leader in managing aircraft at the end of their service life, will establish a new subsidiary at North Carolina’s Global TransPark to recycle aircraft parts and materials. The company will create 475 jobs and invest nearly $100 million to establish the new aircraft recycling center in Lenoir County. “Our state’s…

Microsoft Corp., the global technology and software company, will create 500 new jobs in Wake County. The company will invest $47.5 million to expand its operations in Morrisville. “Companies like Microsoft continue to expand in North Carolina because they see us as the right fit for technology success. Skilled, diverse workers and strong infrastructure mean…

HandCraft Healthcare Linen & Uniform Specialists, a provider of linens and apparel to hospitals and other medical facilities, plans to open a new plant in Wilson, North Carolina, that is expected to employ 125 to 150 people. The Richmond, Va.-based company will invest $15 million to $16 million in the plant to be located at…

A new wholly-owned subsidiary of Little Leaf Farms, LLC, an innovative producer of fresh lettuce, will build a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex in Yancey County, creating up to 100 jobs. The company will invest up to $86 million in Burnsville in a multi-phased planned expansion. “North Carolina is known for innovation and agriculture. Projects like Little…

Q2 Solutions, a leading clinical trial laboratory services organization, will establish a new facility in Durham to help develop the next generation of precision medicines, creating 749 jobs. Q2 Solutions will invest $73 million in the project, which will grow in two phases over seven years. “Because of our strong biotechnology talent, North Carolina has…

Polyhose Inc., an industrial hose manufacturer, will create 51 jobs in Pender County. The company will invest $7.9 million to locate a warehouse and assembly plant along U.S.-421 in Pender County. “Pender County is ready to grow, and international companies like Polyhose know North Carolina’s strong workforce is the right way to put their strategy…