North Carolina’s Manufacturing Industry is Taking Flight

The first flight that gave us the wings to fly was the invention of two brothers in the state of North Carolina but now it’s the manufacturing industry’s turn to fly. While this is perhaps their most proud contribution, it doesn’t stop there. The state has seen various inventions that became household items for generations to come–Vicks Vaporub, the Barcode system or our beloved Coca-Cola. Like its invention history, North Carolina has a rich heritage in the manufacturing industry too.

Manufacturing Facts

Employing 10.6 percent of the total workforce, the manufacturing sector contributes around 20 percent of the state’s total revenue. Last year, the manufacturing industry generated a revenue of $100.07 billion. The average annual income of a manufacturing employee was $69,417. With 460,200 manufacturing employees, manufacturing is one of the most crucial income sources for the State.

When it comes to further classification of the state’s manufacturing arena, chemical products bag first place with an income or approximately $ 27,738 million. Food, beverage and tobacco products, along with computers & electronics come in second and third place with revenues of $18,839 & $9,855 million respectively. Other significant industries include machinery, transportation equipment & textile products.

Manufacturing Exports

In 2016,  the manufacturing sector contributed $28.06 billion through trade to the state’s economy. That same year, the Free trade Agreement (FTA) partners deposited $21.03 billion. Small businesses contributed to around 88 percent of total exports which demonstrate the underlying potential of  North Carolina’s manufacturing sector.

Chemical Products Manufacturing

Several major chemical companies such as BASF, DuPont, Bayer Crop Science, Procter & Gamble, and Clorox have pushed North Carolina to reach new heights. With an investment of $1.6 billion in chemical, plastics & pharmaceuticals manufacturing units, the state is planning to give a significant boost to this sector. After an 18 percent contribution by the chemicals and plastic industry to the state’s GDP from 2005 to 2014, there are around 993 firms in North Carolina, with over 75,000 jobs created. Today, the state stands as the 5th best industrial workforce across the country. It has a high growth rate of 1.5 which is well above the national average, with around 20,500 STEM degrees and certification courses conferred annually in the state.

Chemical Manufacturers Investment

Increased demand for DuPont’s Sorona means a big investment in North Carolina. By adding $30 million to its existing plant in Lenoir County in North Carolina, the company plans to extend its current capacity of 750 employees.  It’s the reason the Governor stated, “DuPont is North Carolina’s best-known employer.”

The major chemical company Albemarle, plans to invest $10.5 million over a period of the next five years and create 170-200 jobs. Impressed with the initiative, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland said, “Albemarle Corporation is a global leader and has made the right decision to expand in North Carolina.”

The state that invented and manufactured airplanes also sustains the needs of society with basic household products. The North Carolina manufacturing sector improves the fabric of our country and is well-deserving to be on our list of the best manufacturing states in the nation.

For information on a deburring machine to fit your manufacturing needs or a free evaluation, contact CDMC today via contact form or call us at (216) 472-0200 to speak directly with one of our experts!