BSH Home Appliances Corporation, part of the Bosch Group, has announced an $11 million expansion of its New Bern, North Carolina facility—an investment that will add nearly 200 high-paying jobs to the region.
For real estate investors, this is another strong signal that New Bern and surrounding areas are poised for steady economic growth—and with it, rising demand for housing and retail.
Project at a Glance
- Investment: $11 million
- Jobs Created: 199
- Average Salary: $60,779 (well above Craven County average of $48,770)
- Annual Payroll Impact: over $12 million
- Incentives: $500,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund
- Focus of Expansion: Advanced U.S. manufacturing and innovation for cooking and dishwashing appliances
Why BSH Is Betting on New Bern
BSH has operated in New Bern for over 25 years, employing more than 1,600 people in Eastern North Carolina. This latest investment cements New Bern as a strategic U.S. hub for manufacturing, R&D, distribution, and customer support.
The expansion aligns with BSH’s broader strategy to make North America a growth engine for the global brand—attracting new talent and driving innovation in one of the fastest-evolving sectors of home appliances.
What It Means for Real Estate Investors
Here’s what real estate investors should keep an eye on:
1. Housing Demand Will Rise
The addition of 199 well-paid jobs—plus secondary employment effects—will put upward pressure on demand for housing.
Expect continued interest in:
- Workforce housing
- Middle-market multifamily
- Single-family rental homes
- Suburban and exurban new development
2. Retail and Services Will Follow
More residents mean greater demand for:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Medical offices
- Neighborhood retail centers
Savvy investors may find opportunities in acquiring or repositioning retail and service-oriented assets in the New Bern region.
3. New Bern’s Profile Is Growing
This announcement adds to New Bern’s appeal as a business-friendly and livable community in coastal North Carolina.
Expect increasing in-migration from Raleigh-Durham and out-of-state professionals seeking affordability and quality of life—further bolstering demand for both residential and commercial real estate.
Bottom Line
BSH’s $11 million expansion is more than a headline—it’s a tangible sign of long-term economic momentum in New Bern.
For real estate investors, the window of opportunity is now. Watching where corporate capital is flowing is a smart way to identify the next high-demand real estate markets—and today, New Bern is squarely on that radar.
Sources:
NC Department of Commerce Press Release
Craven County News
Doug Kline, PhD, has held income properties in North Carolina for more than 20 years. He holds a North Carolina broker’s license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association. He holds an MBA and a PhD in business. In addition to his real estate activities, Doug enjoyed a successful career in academia, achieving the rank of Full Professor in the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington. He was honored with research and teaching awards, served as Director of the MS Computer Science and Information Systems program, and was awarded the endowed position Distinguished Professor of Information Systems.