Economic development Coverage

Unit of home builder PulteGroup to create 157 jobs in Chatham County, state officials say

Innovative Construction Group plans to add the jobs at a new manufacturing facility in Siler City by 2029, state economic development officials said Tuesday.

Jack Hagel, WRAL News

New Amazon facility delivers more than 1,000 jobs to Johnston County

Amazon and local leaders cut the ribbon Tuesday on a a new, 620,000-square-foot warehousing facility expected to employ up to 1,000 people at jobs that start at $17 per hour.

Lora Lavigne and Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporters

Ribbon-cutting Tuesday for new Amazon facility bringing more than 1,000 jobs

A new Amazon facility is bringing more than 1,000 jobs to Johnston County. Finally, this Amazon facility off of U.S. 70 is open.

Grifols celebrates 50 years in Johnston County as area continues to embrace biotech

Grifols is one of multiple biopharma companies in Johnston County. It's a county that was known for agriculture but now is quickly becoming a leader in life science manufacturing.

Brett Knese, WRAL reporter

VinFast footprint will be smaller than originally planned

The revised plans reduce the footprint of the factory's general assembly building to 782,255 square feet. That's roughly a 20% reduction from the original plans for a 995,500-square-foot building.

VinFast downsizes planned EV factory in Chatham County as construction hits a snag

Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has scaled down the size of its manufacturing plant in Moncure by 20%.

Shaun Gallagher and Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporters

Clayton's century-old town hall will be transformed by 2026

The Station is set to open in Clayton by the end of 2025.

Brett Knese, WRAL reporter

Japanese prime minister lands at RDU, greeted by Gov. Roy Cooper

Gov. Roy Cooper shook the hand of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Japanese prime minister's plane lands in the Triangle

On Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida landed in the Triangle.

Japanese prime minister joins Gov. Cooper for lunch at Executive Mansion

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Raleigh this week. The two are expected to commemorate the state's economic partnership with the country.

WRAL News staff

Fujifilm's Holly Springs investment makes them latest Japanese company to expand in NC

The project for expanding the footprint in Holly Springs will add a cell culture manufacturing facility. Fujifilm is the latest Japanese company to put down roots in North Carolina.

Fujifilm Diosynth expanding footprint in Holly Springs

State and local leaders gathered to talk about the $1.2 billion investment in Holly Springs on Thursday. They think it will be more than worthwhile.

Fujifilm Diosynth to create 680 jobs, invest additional $1.2B in Holly Springs

State and local officials have approved up to $69.3 million in incentives to help the company expand. The project is expected to have an economic impact of $4.76 billion, officials said.

Jack Hagel, WRAL News

Fujifilm unit to announce $1B NC expansion ahead of Japanese prime minister's visit

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is planning to add more than 600 jobs in Holly Springs, people familiar with the plans tell WRAL. It would be the latest investment in the state by the vaccine maker, which has undergone a growth spurt in the Triangle over the past two years.

Jack Hagel, WRAL News

'Big Dream' forum: Future of downtown Raleigh in talks on Wednesday

People who live and work in downtown Raleigh will share their thoughts about the future of downtown.

Lora Lavigne, WRAL reporter

North Carolina preparing for Japan prime minister to visit

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Raleigh this week. Asked Tuesday if the visit might coincide with any economic announcements, Cooper said yes, adding: 'Hopefully more jobs for our state.'

Cooper's visit with Japan's Kishida could coincide with a major NC jobs announcement

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Raleigh this week. Asked Tuesday if the visit might coincide with any economic announcements, Cooper said yes, adding: 'Hopefully more jobs for our state.'

By Jack Hagel, Will Doran and Debra Morgan, WRAL News

Durham biotech company cancels $18.9M economic incentives deal with NC

BioAgilytix Labs said declines in biotech funding caused the company to shift its strategy. Its grant was one of three canceled Tuesday by state economic developers.

Jack Hagel, WRAL News

Defense contractor Duotech adding 95 Jobs in Macon County

Franklin-based Duotech Services, which specializes in the maintenance of older defense equipment, will pay an average salary of $91,271 for the new positions.

WRAL News staff

Chatham County Wolfspeed plant hits construction milestone

Officials give an update on construction at the Wolfspeed semiconductor plant on a 400-acre site in Chatham County.

NC community colleges seek $100 million more to revamp training

North Carolina community college leaders have a big ask for state lawmakers this year: a $100 million restructuring of workforce training programs.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

400 biopharma manufacturing jobs promised for Wilson County

Biopharma device manufacturer Schott Pharma USA Inc. plans to create 401 jobs as part of a $371 million investment in Wilson County, state officials said Monday.

Sweet potatoes are raw material for company's Nash County growth

The Crump Group Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of pet treats, announced an $85 million expansion within three years of locating its first production facility in Nash County.

Maker of pet treats will invest $85 million in Nash County

Nash County Economic Development Director Andy Hagy said that so far this year, $745 million in capital investment has come from local expansions and new businesses in Nash County.

Biopharma company to create 401 jobs in Wilson

The jobs would be part of a $371 million investment in Wilson County. The announcement came during a meeting of the state Department of Commerce's Economic Investment Committee.

Jack Hagel, WRAL state government editor