A major healthcare manufacturing investment is heading to the Piedmont Triad—and with it comes a new wave of economic activity and opportunity for housing and retail development. GMAX Industries, a New York–based Minority Business Enterprise specializing in disposable medical products, has selected Winston-Salem in Forsyth County as the site of its first North American production facility.
With a multi-million-dollar investment and strong public-private support, the announcement is a powerful signal that Winston-Salem—and the surrounding region—is primed for growth.
📊 Project at a Glance
- Company: GMAX Industries (healthcare product manufacturer)
- Location: Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
- Facility Size: 144,000 square feet
- Investment Amount: $11.4 million
- New Jobs Created: 36 full-time jobs
- Average Salary: $66,667 (above Forsyth’s average of $65,319)
- Annual Payroll Impact: Estimated $2.4+ million
- Incentives: $75,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, matched by local contributions
- Key Partners: NC Department of Commerce, Forsyth County, City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth Tech, Greater Winston-Salem Inc.
GMAX’s new facility will manufacture high-quality disposable medical products for hospitals, nursing homes, and other care providers throughout the U.S. This move strengthens the domestic supply chain and creates new career paths in advanced manufacturing.
📍 Why This Location Was Chosen
According to GMAX President and CEO Eric Liu, North Carolina’s “skilled workforce, strategic location, and responsive leadership” made it an ideal fit. The Triad’s rich industrial legacy and access to major highway corridors like I-40 and I-85 offer strategic advantages for distribution and logistics.
Governor Josh Stein echoed that sentiment, citing the region’s “excellent infrastructure, deep talent pool, and strong commitment to economic development.” The public-private collaboration among state agencies, educational institutions, and local leadership played a decisive role in winning the project.
Importantly, this expansion is part of a broader reshoring trend in healthcare manufacturing—bringing essential production back to the U.S. and reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.
🏘 What It Means for Housing and Retail Real Estate
The arrival of GMAX Industries marks a positive economic jolt not only for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, but also for surrounding areas with easy commuting access. Communities likely to see the greatest ripple effects include:
- Primary Impact: Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons, Lewisville (all in Forsyth County)
- Secondary Growth Zones: Greensboro and High Point (Guilford County), Lexington and Thomasville (Davidson County), Mocksville (Davie County), King and Walnut Cove (Stokes County), Mount Airy (Surry County), and Yadkinville (Yadkin County)
As new jobs attract skilled workers and increase household income, demand will rise for:
- Workforce and mid-market housing near Winston-Salem and its suburban communities
- Neighborhood shopping centers offering food, services, and healthcare access in places like Clemmons, Kernersville, and Mocksville
- Mixed-use development potential in downtown Winston-Salem, particularly near industrial corridors and Forsyth Tech
With an average salary well above the local median, the new roles at GMAX could support new home purchases, discretionary spending, and long-term community stability—exactly the kind of sustainable growth that underpins strong real estate performance.
At NC Capital Group, we closely monitor economic development trends like this because they create the foundation for long-term real estate investment success. When companies like GMAX Industries choose North Carolina, they’re not just bringing jobs—they’re bringing momentum.
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.