Reshoring and Supply Chain Resilience

One explanation for the manufacturing boom is the shift towards reshoring, which is the process of bringing production or manufacturing back to the country of origin (Jacobs). Companies are prioritizing supply chain resilience, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and investing in domestic production facilities. This became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains. As a result, many businesses that once relied on foreign production sought more local solutions.

Advancements in Technology and Automation

In recent years, we have seen how advanced technology and automation—most notably Artificial Intelligence (AI)—have significantly impacted our everyday lives. Manufacturing is no exception and has benefited greatly from these advancements.

Forbes Magazine has highlighted several ways AI has improved the manufacturing industry, one of which is quality assurance. Many companies use AI to enhance quality control, resulting in more consistent and reliable products. AI also helps with machine monitoring, enabling companies to detect maintenance needs early, which helps prevent costly breakdowns and increases efficiency and productivity (ForbesExpertPanel).

Automation has also played a crucial role in cost reduction. Though initial investments may seem substantial, there are also substantial savings in the long term (“Automation in the Manufacturing Industry”).

The Impact of the Manufacturing Boom on Local Communities

The rise in manufacturing has a positive and substantial impact on local communities. Manufacturing growth promotes economic prosperity in smaller towns by creating job opportunities at various skill levels. The average manufacturing salary in the United States is around $43,000, with more experienced workers earning up to $100,000 per year. These stable incomes lead to increased consumer spending, which, in turn, strengthens local economies. As a result, rural and smaller communities see growth in local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, enhancing the overall quality of life.

This manufacturing boom also fosters interest in skill development. According to growthdimensions.org, “The presence of manufacturing facilities in a community encourages skill development and education. Local schools, colleges, and technical institutions may collaborate with these facilities to offer training programs that cater to the specific needs of the industry. This fosters a culture of continuous learning, enabling residents to acquire skills that are not only valuable within the manufacturing sector but also transferable to other industries.” (“The Crucial Role of Manufacturing Facilities in Building Strong Communities”)

Looking Ahead

As the manufacturing industry continues to expand, job opportunities for workers and business prospects for smaller communities, such as Chatham County, will continue to grow. With a strong emphasis on economic prosperity, reshoring, and increasing demand for domestic production, the future of manufacturing looks promising.

Stay connected with the Chatham EDC to learn more about the opportunities available in Chatham County and how we can support your growth.

For more information on the latest developments in Chatham County, visit our LinkedIn page at Chatham EDC on LinkedIn.

The post Why Manufacturing is Booming appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“S.T. Wooten Corp. of Wilson has announced its acquisition of Moncure’s Capital Ready Mix Concrete.

The post Large construction firm acquires Triangle business appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“SANFORD, N.C. — Central Carolina Community College has been included in the Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings.

Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members and veterans. This year, 304 schools made the list.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman says, “While we are proud of this recognition, it simply reflects what we value at CCCC. Veterans are so important to our community. We want to ensure we do our best to take care of our veterans, who have so generously taken care of us in their service to our country.”

“It is truly an honor to work with veterans and their families. Making their educational journey smooth is something I work hard to do. They have served our country and it is a privilege to serve them,” said Angie Estes, CCCC Veterans Affairs Coordinator. “CCCC is a great stepping stone between military and civilian life. Veterans have many more responsibilities and commitments than the traditional college student. Offering many different programs and a variety of ways to attend class makes it easier for veterans to pursue their degrees. Receiving the placement on the Best for Vets list shows those seeking a place to attend school that we are a place they should look at.”

For more information, visit Central Carolina Community College’s website.

For more information about CCCC and its resources for service members, visit www.cccc.edu/military

For more information about the CCCC TRiO Veterans Upward Bound Program, visit www.cccc.edu/studentservices/upwardbound/veterans/.

The post CCCC included in Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“PITTSBORO, NC – Chatham County is dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal and inclusive access to its resources. In November 2024, Chatham County proudly launched ReciteMe assistive technology on the County website, enhancing language access and promoting inclusivity for all residents while empowering individuals to personalize their browsing experience.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, more than 60% of adults in the United States live with a disability, which can pose challenges in navigating websites and limit their full engagement with the community. Additionally, more than 25 million individuals—over 8% of the U.S. population—are English learners, communicating in over 350 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic.”

For more, visit Chatham County’s website.

The post Chatham County Launches Digital Language Accessibility Tool: ReciteMe appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

PITTSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has designated Cackalacky’s Company Store and wholesale distribution center as an official highway “attraction” on US Route 64 in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Visitors are encouraged to sample and shop Cackalacky’s “Famously Original” sauces and snack nuts, meet the Cackalacky Brand creators and learn about the history of the brand. The location also offers cold Cackalacky® craft beer and Cheerwine® soft drink to go as well as a narrated tour and timeline video.

The Cackalacky Company Store & Distribution Center is located at 697 Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro, NC and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (with extended shopping hours on Saturday and Sunday throughout the Holidays).

About Cackalacky®
Hailed as the “local brand with a national following,” (and celebrating more than two decades in business), North Carolina based Cackalacky is the iconic Southern lifestyle brand that specializes in sauces, snack nuts, coffee, craft beer, decals, apparel, grills, sponsored events, and more. The company also makes and distributes the Famously Original® Cackalacky® Cheerwine® Sweet Sauce as well as the Carolina Tar Heels® BBQ Sauce, an officially licensed collegiate product.

Cackalacky, Inc. is a family owned and operated company headquartered at 697 Hillsboro Street, Suite 600, Pittsboro, NC with a company store that is open to the public. To learn more, visit Cackalacky.com”

For more information, contact the author:

Harry Skelton
(919) 704-8087

Info@Cackalacky.com

The post Cackalacky Designated as Highway Attraction by North Carolina Department of Transportation appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Enjoy a night of delicious food from local food trucks Bulkogi and Royal Cheesecake, craft brews from Havoc Brewing, live music by Thousand Ways, games, a raffle, and a special presentation highlighting the Carolina Tiger Rescue’s journey and what lies ahead.

This event is perfect for friends, family, and animal lovers alike–so come celebrate with the Carolina Tiger Rescue and enjoy an evening honoring fifty years of impact and dedication.

INFO: 

• Date: November 2nd
• Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Havoc Brewing Company, Downtown Pittsboro

For more information, visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue’s website. 

The post Carolina Tiger Rescue Celebrating 50 Years in Pittsboro appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 22 grant requests to local governments totaling $8,401,717, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 557 jobs, 413 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $83.7M in public and private investment.

‘Investing in our rural communities throughout the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority’s grants is not just about improving infrastructure; it’s about empowering our residents, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth,” Governor Cooper said. “Together, we can build a brighter future for all North Carolinians, including those recovering from the damage of Hurricane Helene.'”

[…]

“The RIA approved 10 grant requests under the state’s new Rural Downtown Economic Development program:”

[…]

• “Town of Pittsboro (Chatham County): An $850,000 grant will help the Pittsboro Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Project reconstruct brick sidewalks and make them ADA-compliant, while adding accessible ramps at all intersections. The project is expected to leverage an investment of $2,660,238.”

To read more, visit the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s website.

The post Governor Roy Cooper Announces 22 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 144 New Jobs and over $83 Million of Investment appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.