For the second year in a row, CNBC ranks North Carolina as number 1. They cite a growing educated work force, despite lingering pandemic challenges. These development announcements occured in 2023:

• $130 million investment by Bosch in Lincolnton
• $458 million biomanufacturing facility by ProKidney in Greensboro
• $58 million production facility by Select Genetics in Goldsboro.

Area Development magazine awarded North Carolina their Platinum Shovel Award in 2023 for being #1 in attracting development projects in the state. The award considers number of new jobs to be created, the dollar amount of investment, and the diversity of industries represented. They make note of these new investments.

• Vinfast’s investment of $4 billion in Moncure for an electric vehicle manufacturing facility expected to employ 7500.
• Wolfspeed’s $5 billion manufacturing investment in Siler City. They will produce silicon wafers and expect to employee 1800.
• Boom Supersonic construction of a Superfactory in Greensboro. They will produce supersonic aircraft and bring 1750 jobs.
• Macy’s construction of a fulfillment center in China Grove.
• Eli Lilly’s injectable product manufacturing facility in Concord.

And these expansions:

• Bestco’s $177 million pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution expansion in Morrisville.
• FUJIFILM’s $188 million expansion in Research Triangle Park to make cell culture media.
• Sopakco $85 million expansion in Laurinburg to manufacture shelf-stable ready-to-eat meals.
• Believer Meats $123 million facility in Wilson to make cultivated meat products.

Site Selection Magazine recognized North Carolina with their highest award for their success in attracting capital investments. Their award considers:

• # of new facilities and expansions, and # relative to population
• new and expanded capital investment, and investment relative to population
• # new jobs created, and # relative to population
• business climate
• tax climate
• rank in the Legatum Institute Prosperity Index
• # of National Career Readiness Certificates per 1000 residents of working age