Press Releases

(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved North Carolina’s Action Plan for a $1.4 billion grant to help western North Carolina rebuild following Hurricane Helene.

Today, Governor Josh Stein joined business leaders and elected officials at the grand opening ceremony for Boviet Solar’s new solar module factory in Greenville.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Gillespie Precast will establish a new manufacturing plant in Randolph County that will create 39 jobs. The company, a leading producer of custom precast concrete, will invest $10 million in Asheboro.

Governor Josh Stein today announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved four grant requests to local governments totaling $1,890,000. The requests include commitments that will create a total of 67 jobs, 53 of which were previously announced.

The state’s seasonally adjusted March 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from February’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.

Governor Josh Stein announced that Opsun Corporation, a manufacturer of structures for solar panels, will create 20 new jobs in Guilford County. The company will invest $9.3 million to build its first United States production facility in High Point.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Wow Bao, a fast-growing Asian street food company, will create 88 jobs in Rutherford County. The company will invest $6.45 million to establish its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City.

Governor Josh Stein’s new Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships held its first meeting today in Raleigh. This Council brings together state officials, education leaders, employers and other stakeholders to consider ways to enhance North Carolina’s workforce.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 95 counties in February 2025, increased in four, and remained unchanged in one. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.6 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.6 percent.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Bailey Manufacturing Company (BMC), a manufacturer of stamped metal automotive parts, will add 35 new jobs in Scotland County. The company will invest more than $4.3 million in a new production facility in Laurinburg.