The State of North Carolina has announced the creation of 16,956 new jobs across 218 business recruitment, expansion, or rural development projects in 2024. These initiatives, facilitated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C., are expected to bring $15.2 billion in capital investment to the state. This development surpasses the previous year’s performance, which saw 14,114 jobs created with $12.9 billion in investments. Governor Josh Stein emphasized the state’s skilled workforce and favorable business environment as key factors in attracting these opportunities.
The latest projects highlight significant investment from global companies. Notable among them is Natron Energy’s decision to establish the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States at the Kingsboro Megasite in Edgecombe County, creating 1,062 jobs. Novo Nordisk is set to expand its manufacturing operations in Johnston County, adding 1,000 jobs. Boviet Solar will create a major solar panel manufacturing facility in Pitt County, resulting in 908 jobs. Ross Stores has chosen Randolph County for a new distribution center, creating 852 jobs, and FUJIFILM Diosynth is expanding its biopharmaceutical facilities in Wake County, adding 680 jobs.
Several significant projects are also planned for the state’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Biotech will invest $2 billion to build a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Wilson County, generating 420 jobs. SCHOTT Pharma USA will establish a new production facility in Wilson County, creating 401 jobs. American Titanium Metal will open a new manufacturing facility in Cumberland County, producing aerospace-grade titanium and creating 304 jobs. Amrep Manufacturing Company plans to expand in Rowan County, creating 170 jobs, and Kyowa Kirin will establish its first North American pharmaceutical manufacturing operation in Lee County, creating 102 jobs.
North Carolina’s continued success in attracting business investment is reinforced by its high ranking in national business climate assessments. In July, CNBC ranked the state second in its Top States for Business review, marking the fifth consecutive year it has appeared in the top three positions. The North Carolina Department of Commerce remains the primary state agency for economic development, offering a variety of programs and services as detailed on their website.
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