Is Manufacturing Still Important in North Carolina?

Most of us have a relative who once worked in the textile mills or furniture factories, but over the past 30 years manufacturing has been challenged and transformed by globalization and technological advances. Factories that were once community cornerstones are shuttered.

However, new sectors have emerged. Today, manufacturing constitutes 21% of NC’s GDP and 11% of jobs (461,000). Manufacturing jobs have grown by 8.8% since the recession, and plastics, motor vehicles, instruments, aerospace and pharma are growing.

The availability of skilled workers, improved infrastructure, a competitive business climate and access to global markets will determine our future success.

– Ted Abernathy, Economic Leadership LLC