Manufacturing is generally an urban activity, and North Carolina manufacturers tend to locate in the more populous areas of the state along the Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 corridors. Most of our state's manufacturers happen to be located in Mecklenburg, Wake and Guilford counties.
North Carolina Map & legend showing Countywide Distribution of Resident Population in 2009
Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management
View Chart as Text Data (D-Link)
Just over 2.3 million residents or 24% of the state's population reside in the top three counties of Mecklenburg, Wake and Guilford.
North Carolina Map & legend showing Countywide Distribution of Manufacturing Establishments in 2009
Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina
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In 2009, almost the exact same proportion of manufacturing establishments were in those same three counties: 2423 out of 10,152, or 23.9%.
The distribution of types of industries is not as uniform throughout the state, however. For example, Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Durham County boasts a variety advanced manufacturing establishments, many in the bio-science sector. According to www.rtp.org, RTP has been and continues to be a model for innovation, education, and economic development that has been applied around the world. It is home to winners of the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, as well as recipients of the U.S. Presidential Award and National Foundation Awards. Some of the most profound discoveries of the 20th century have been influenced by scientists and researchers working in RTP, including the invention of the Universal Product Code and 3D ultrasound technology.
Bar Chart showing Top 10 North Carolina counties by Manufacturing Units for 2nd Quarter of 2010
Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina
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Bar Chart of Top 5 North Carolina counties for Total Manufacturing Wages for 2nd Quarter of 2010
Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina
View Chart as Text Data (D-Link)
Because of the high-tech industries in RTP, Durham county leads the state in average wages which are 45% higher than Mecklenburg, the next highest wage payer. Differences in wages throughout the state depend largely on the types of manufacturing being done in each place.
North Carolina Map & legend of Countywide Distribution of Manufacturing Workforce from 2009
Source: NC Department of Commerce
View Chart as Text Data (D-Link)
The distribution of manufacturing employees is concentrated in Guilford, Mecklenburg and Durham counties.
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North Carolina Chamber Manufacturing Council
IES brings research and expertise from North Carolina State University’s College of Engineering to the workplace, to help businesses and organizations thrive. We will work anywhere, with any industry, to solve problems and deliver results like lower costs, better products, and higher efficiencies. We succeed when our clients succeed. Since 2000, IES has helped create almost $2 billion in economic value to the state of North Carolina; clients working with IES generally receive a $25:1 return on their investment.
IES is part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a nationwide program that is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With a network of MEP centers in every state and Puerto Rico, the program's purpose is to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers with the tools they need to succeed. In an independent survey conducted quarterly by MEP, manufacturing clients reported that IES services have been worth more than $1.06 billion from 2006 - 2010 in jobs saved or created, productivity gains, increased sales and increased investment opportunities.
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