Governor Cooper proclaims NC Manufacturing Week
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed October 2nd through 8th North Carolina Manufacturing Week.
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, according to a press release.
“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,” Governor Cooper said. “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 the economists at the Labor and Economic Analysis Division of the state’s Commerce department, 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.
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.
