Cary and the region are recognized for a commitment to developing innovative technology that improves processes, creating efficiencies across a wide spectrum of manufacturing platforms.
Advanced Manufacturing
Photo: Protolabs
#5
Largest Manufacturing Economy in the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
#7
State for Manufacturing Output (% of GDP)
Business Facilities, August 2022
#1
Largest Manufacturing Workforce in the Southeast
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
#2
Lowest Unionization Rate in the U.S. at 2.2%
Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2022
300+
Advanced Manufacturing firms in the Research Triangle region
North Carolina leads the Southeast in manufacturing and ranks 8th in the nation for its manufacturing contribution to the national GDP. There are 11,496 manufacturing firms employing 467,325 workers in the state. Small manufacturers are the backbone of the sector, with 90% of the firms having fewer than 100 employees. Food manufacturing employs the most people (62,163), with chemical production coming in second (47,415). Fabricated metal production has the most number of companies (1,649).
Workforce training programs can be tailored to specific industry needs through partnerships with Wake Technical Community College and others, ensuring consistent availability of premier talent. Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, retaining close proximity to world-renowned, tier-one research universities and supported by a highly skilled workforce, Cary is a prime market for attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing firms.
