A bold step for North Carolina’s westernmost county may also be one of the most important economic development announcements of the year. Eco King Solutions, a U.S. subsidiary of Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-pack Co., is bringing 515 jobs and a new $80.5 million manufacturing plant to Robbinsville, NC.
Project at a Glance
- Company: Eco King Solutions
- Investment: $80.5 million
- Jobs Created: 515
- Location: Former Stanley Furniture facility, Robbinsville, Graham County
- Industry: Biodegradable paper tableware manufacturing
- Facility Size: 588,000 square feet
- Average Annual Wage: $46,707
- Project Support: JDIG award and collaboration with state and local partners
Eco King’s new U.S. facility represents the company’s first manufacturing operation in North America. The plant will produce compostable and biodegradable food containers, plates, and packaging for restaurants and retailers—offering a local supply chain solution to meet growing U.S. demand.
Why Graham County?
Eco King evaluated multiple sites across the southeastern United States before selecting Robbinsville. Several factors tipped the scales:
- Strategic Logistics: The region offers access to major southeastern distribution routes, including I-40 and I-75.
- Available Infrastructure: The move repurposes the former Stanley Furniture plant, reducing buildout time and cost.
- Workforce Readiness: Local community colleges and workforce boards will help train residents for high-quality manufacturing jobs.
- Pro-Business Climate: North Carolina’s track record of low taxes, strong workforce development, and consistent rankings as a top state for business played a role in Eco King’s decision.
Eco King executives cited cost efficiency, the talent pipeline, and a desire to shorten supply chains as primary reasons for choosing North Carolina over other options.
What It Means for Housing and Retail Real Estate
This project is a game-changer for Graham County. With a population of just over 8,000, the addition of 515 new jobs is transformative—especially in a region where economic development announcements of this scale are rare.
This level of job creation is expected to:
- Increase demand for workforce and market-rate housing in and around Robbinsville
- Spur interest in single-family rentals and smaller multifamily assets in surrounding towns like Andrews and Murphy
- Drive new retail activity to serve the growing employee base, creating potential opportunities for grocery-anchored neighborhood centers or quick-service restaurant development
- Revitalize local communities by reactivating a dormant industrial site and attracting supporting businesses
Eco King’s commitment to a long-term footprint suggests sustained growth. As the facility ramps up operations, the resulting payroll and tax base expansion will likely increase funding for schools, public services, and infrastructure.
For real estate investors, this is a moment to pay close attention to Western North Carolina. Long considered a more rural corner of the state, Graham and neighboring counties are now positioned for meaningful economic momentum.
Sources
- NC Department of Commerce press release: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/22/governor-stein-announces-515-new-jobs-western-nc-manufacturer-selects-graham-county
Phil Neari, CPM, is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and has been active in the commercial real estate and property management business for over 30 years. He holds the prestigious Certified Property Manager designation (CPM) awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management and is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. Phil is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Phil is Broker in Charge of our Winston-Salem office and oversees property management and leasing activities. He also provides advisory services to select buyer and tenant representation clients as well as identifies potential investment and development properties.