Prolec GE Waukesha’s latest expansion in Goldsboro, North Carolina, marks a major milestone in the region’s industrial evolution. With a $140 million investment and 330 new jobs on the way, this move is powering more than transformers—it’s energizing the local economy, real estate market, and long-term investor confidence.
Major Investment, Major Impact
The project will add a 144,000-square-foot facility adjacent to Prolec GE’s existing plant, doubling production capacity for medium power transformers. The new jobs will come with an average salary of $71,912—more than 50% above Wayne County’s current average wage. Over three years, this adds up to more than $23 million in new payroll.
Not an Outlier: A Growing Investment Cluster
Prolec GE isn’t alone. Select Genetics is currently developing a $58 million turkey hatchery at Goldsboro’s ParkEast Industrial Park, and other infrastructure projects—like fiber expansion and shell buildings for manufacturers—are gaining traction. Together, these investments total nearly $200 million in new capital, forming a multi-sector growth corridor in Eastern North Carolina.
A High-Stakes Incentive Deal
The state’s Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program is backing the expansion with a performance-based incentive worth up to $4.7 million. The catch? Prolec GE has to hit hiring and investment benchmarks. If it does, the project is projected to generate more than $1.05 billion in economic impact over the next 12 years. That’s a serious return on public-private collaboration.
Strategic Location Drives Logistics Advantage
Goldsboro’s central location is no accident. It’s just:
- 1 hour from Raleigh, offering access to a major labor market and research institutions.
- 2 hours from the Port of Wilmington, connecting manufacturers to global export markets.
This makes Goldsboro a compelling logistics hub for companies needing both workforce and shipping infrastructure.
Small Towns, Big Opportunity for Real Estate Investors
Smaller communities within a 20-minute drive—Mount Olive, Fremont, Pikeville, Seven Springs, Walnut Creek—are likely to see population growth as workers seek housing near the new facility. These towns are well-positioned to become bedroom communities, offering both affordable housing and short commutes.
For investors, this translates to rising demand for:
- Workforce housing
- Neighborhood shopping centers
- Essential services like childcare, medical, auto repair, and food service
Collaboration is the Competitive Edge
This win didn’t come from a single pitch. The project was the result of cooperation between the North Carolina Department of Commerce, EDPNC, Wayne County Development Alliance, Wayne County Government, the City of Goldsboro, and Wayne Community College. Their alignment—across workforce development, land readiness, and economic incentives—was a critical factor in landing this transformational investment.
The Bottom Line
Prolec GE’s expansion cements Goldsboro as a rising star in North Carolina’s industrial landscape. It’s a signal to investors: job growth is coming, housing demand is rising, and small-town commercial corridors are about to get busier.
