The Greenville Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Alliance is celebrating North Carolina Manufacturing Week October 2-8 and National Manufacturing Day on October 7.
Boasting the fifth-largest manufacturing economy in the United States, which grew 14% last year, and the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeast, manufacturing remains essential to the success of every sector of North Carolina’s economy.
"North Carolina manufacturing is thriving and putting more money in the pockets of every day North Carolinians who make up the most talented and skilled workforce in the world," said Governor Roy Cooper. "With more than 10,700 businesses contributing more than $122 billion to our economy and still growing, we’re making computer chips, electric school buses, farm equipment, lifesaving medicines and so many more products that are being shipped here and around the world. We can be proud when we see the Made in North Carolina label."
According to data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce:
- For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, $1.80 is generated for North Carolina’s economy
- Manufacturers account for nearly one-fifth of the state’s economic output
- In 2021, 95% of North Carolina exports consisted of $31.6 billion worth of manufactured products including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, non-ferrous metals, semiconductors, aerospace components, and textiles
- Locally, there are more than 8,500 manufacturing jobs in the Pitt County area
- Manufacturing represents more than 34% of the Greenville region’s Gross Regional Product (GRP), which is more than triple the national average GDP of 10% in this sector
“Manufacturing is a legacy industry for Greenville and Pitt County that continues to see exceptional growth. Our industries produce lifesaving medicines, foods and beverages, and other consumer goods,” said Uconda Dunn, vice president of business development for the Greenville ENC Alliance. “Eastern North Carolina has been a hub for manufacturing in the state and we look forward to opportunities to continue to diversify the products produced in our communities.”
Of North Carolina’s recording breaking year for economic development announcements last year, manufacturing represents 67% of all new, relocation, and expansion projects with more than 14,690 new jobs and investments exceeding $8.6 billion.
“Our business climate, central East Coast location, the talented and diverse workforce of 468,000 North Carolinians, and our dedication to further developing that world-class workforce will continue to attract growing manufacturers from across the globe,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders.
The Greenville ENC Alliance works closely with the state Department of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina to identify prospective companies that would fit well and succeed in the Pitt County area. In addition, the local economic development organization works to support existing companies in the area with retention and future growth plans.
“Our existing manufacturing companies provide excellent opportunities for the citizens of Greenville and the region,” added Dunn. “These thriving manufacturers provide competitive wages for their employees allowing them to buy homes, cars, and goods that provide a positive economic impact to our region. Greenville and Pitt County have been fortunate to have strong manufacturing bases for many years and we continue to see strong growth.”
For more information about Manufacturing Week, read Governor Cooper’s proclamation here.
