Location of Manufacturing
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.
Source: NC Office of State Budget and Management
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Just over 2.3 million residents or 24% of the state's population reside in the top three counties of Mecklenburg, Wake and Guilford.
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.
Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina
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Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina
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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.
Source: NC Department of Commerce
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The distribution of manufacturing employees is concentrated in Guilford, Mecklenburg and Durham counties.