by Think Currituck, on 12/27/21 1:59 PM
Kroger's new automated fulfillment center coming to Concord, NC, was one of the big announcements that made economic development headlines in 2021.
When it comes to North Carolina and economic development, the good news continued in 2021. In addition to several expansions, relocations and increased manufacturing operations, the Tar Heel state announced some exciting new high-tech projects coming soon.
According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, 23,748 new jobs were announced in 2021. That's an increase from the 19,746 jobs announced in 2020.
In terms of dollars invested in the state, the $10 billion announced in 2021 is an impressive jump from the $6.2 billion announced for economic development projects in 2020.
We've reviewed all of the past year's economic development announcements from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and compiled a list of the top 10 projects, in terms of job creation.
North Carolina's
Top 10 Job-Creating Projects Announced in 2021
COMPANY: Apple
JOBS CREATED: 3,000
PROJECT: New research and development campus
LOCATION: Wake County
INVESTMENT: More than $1 billion by 2032
MORE INFO: "Innovation has long been North Carolina’s calling card and Apple’s decision to build this new campus in the Research Triangle showcases the importance of our state’s favorable business climate, world-class universities, our tech-ready workforce, and the welcoming and diverse communities that make so many people want to call North Carolina home. -Full Press Release / April 26, 2021
COMPANY: Toyota
JOBS CREATED: 1,750
PROJECT: The company's first North American battery manufacturing plant
LOCATION: Greensboro-Randolph Megasite
INVESTMENT: $1.29 billion
MORE INFO: "Currently, electrified vehicles account for nearly 25 percent of its sales volume, and the company estimates that number will increase to 70 percent by 2030. The new plant in Randolph County will initially produce batteries for Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicles, and intends to produce batteries for battery electric vehicles long term." - Full Press Release / December 6, 2021
COMPANY: FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A. Inc.
JOBS CREATED: 725
PROJECT: North America’s largest end-to-end biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility
LOCATION: Wake County
INVESTMENT: $2 billion
MORE INFO: "The company’s North Carolina site has been in operation since 1996. The campus has expanded since its inception to include three buildings that house the company’s Process Development and Analytical Laboratories, cGMP Manufacturing Facility, and Administration. The site has more than 600 employees today." - Full Press Release / March 18, 2021
COMPANY: Kroger
JOBS CREATED: 700
PROJECT: High-tech customer fulfillment center
LOCATION: Cabarrus County
INVESTMENT: TBD
MORE INFO: "The acceleration of our delivery business continues with the development of an additional customer fulfillment center, advancing our commitment to creating career opportunities and serving shoppers fresh food fast through interconnected, automated, and innovative facilities and last-mile solutions across America." - Full Press Release / December 8, 2021
COMPANY: Credit Karma
JOBS CREATED: 600
PROJECT: Expansion and high-tech engineering hub
LOCATION: Mecklenburg County
INVESTMENT: $13 million
MORE INFO: "Credit Karma has been in Charlotte for four years and with the significant incentives provided by the state of North Carolina and from the city of Charlotte, we are doubling down on the market and making this our East Coast headquarters." - Full Press Release / May 25, 2021
JOBS CREATED: 500
PROJECT: Expansion and creation of new regional center
LOCATION: Research Triangle Park
INVESTMENT: TBD
MORE INFO: "The 500 jobs will be part of a new business function for Fidelity Investments’ portfolio in North Carolina, which until now, has focused on technology that supports all company business lines, as well as customer service for 401(k) and other workplace clients." - Full Press Release / May 12, 2021
JOBS CREATED: 500
PROJECT: Manufacturing facility
LOCATION: Craven County
INVESTMENT: TBD
MORE INFO: "Founded by noted angler and conservationist Johnny Morris, WRMG builds legendary performance boat brands like TRACKER, the No. 1 fishing boat in America for the past 45 years and ASCEND, the world’s best-selling kayaks. Other leading brands include MAKO, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Tahoe and more." - Full Press Release / May 20, 2021
COMPANY: MasterBrand Cabinets
JOBS CREATED: 450
PROJECT: Manufacturing expansion
LOCATION: Lenoir County
INVESTMENT: $13.5 million
MORE INFO: "The company’s project in Lenoir County will expand its existing facility in Kinston to meet growing demand for its products. The company plans to significantly increase the site’s production capacity, with cabinets for kitchens making up the primary output for the expanded facility." - Full Press Release / November 23, 2021
COMPANY: Robinhood
JOBS CREATED: 400
PROJECT: New location
LOCATION: Mecklenburg County
INVESTMENT: $11.7 million
MORE INFO: "Robinhood is a mobile-first investing platform known for pioneering commission-free trading with no account minimums, lowering the barriers for millions of investors to participate in the financial markets." - Full Press Release / March 30, 2021
COMPANY: Red Bull / Rauch
JOBS CREATED: 400
PROJECT: New beverage manufacturing, filling and distribution center
LOCATION: Cabarrus County
INVESTMENT: $740 million
MORE INFO: "Together, the companies will partner to develop a state-of-the-art campus for beverage manufacturing, can filling and distribution. Cumulatively, this high-tech beverage production hub will span 2,000,000-square-feet of vertical integration to include office space at The Grounds at Concord." - Full Press Release / July 13, 2021
