When companies consider expansion or relocation, one of the first questions they ask is: Is this state truly business-friendly? In North Carolina, the answer is a resounding yes, especially for manufacturers. Known for its skilled workforce, competitive tax climate, and strong infrastructure, North Carolina has built a reputation as one of the top states for doing business.
For Brunswick County manufacturers, this climate offers not only statewide advantages but also unique local opportunities to grow, innovate, and compete globally. Here’s what you need to know about North Carolina’s pro-business manufacturing environment—and why Brunswick County is positioned at the center of it.
A Top-Ranked State for Business
Year after year, North Carolina appears at the top of national rankings for business climate. CNBC named it the #1 State for Business (2023), citing its economic strength, low cost of doing business, and workforce readiness. Forbes, Site Selection Magazine, and Area Development have all echoed similar praise.
For manufacturers, this recognition matters. It signals a state committed to fostering growth, supporting industry, and making it easier for companies to thrive. From advanced manufacturing to biotechnology and clean energy, North Carolina offers a diverse industrial base with the infrastructure to support continued expansion.
A Skilled and Growing Workforce
Manufacturers today need a workforce that can adapt to evolving technologies. North Carolina delivers on this front. The state is home to a workforce of more than 5 million people, with strong representation in advanced manufacturing sectors.
Education is a major driver of this workforce advantage. North Carolina boasts:
- 58 community colleges offering tailored training programs
- A strong public university system, including research powerhouses like NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, and private schools like Duke and Wake Forest.
- Targeted workforce development initiatives that connect training programs directly to industry needs
In Brunswick County, manufacturers benefit directly from partnerships with Brunswick Community College and access to more than 53,000 college students in the surrounding region. These institutions provide certificate programs, apprenticeships, and customized training solutions that ensure workers are prepared for modern manufacturing roles.
Competitive Business Costs
North Carolina offers one of the most competitive tax structures in the nation. With the lowest corporate income tax rate in the U.S. (2.5%), the state provides a financial advantage for companies seeking to maximize reinvestment and growth.
In addition, utility costs, real estate prices, and overall cost of living remain lower than many competing states. For manufacturers, this translates into reduced operating costs without sacrificing access to talent or infrastructure.
Brunswick County builds on this advantage by offering available industrial sites and megasites, modern infrastructure, and direct support from organizations like Brunswick Business & Industry Development (BBID), which helps companies navigate incentives and site selection.
Infrastructure Built for Growth
For manufacturing companies, logistics is everything, and North Carolina delivers with a well-connected network of highways, ports, and rail.
- Highways: Interstate 40 and 95, along with future Interstate 74, will provide direct access to East Coast markets.
- Airports: Wilmington International Airport and nearby Raleigh-Durham International Airport connect businesses to global markets.
- Ports: The Port of Wilmington, just minutes from Brunswick County, supports containerized, bulk, and breakbulk shipping with fast turnaround times.
- Rail: CSX offers extensive freight connections across the eastern U.S.
This transportation network makes it easy for Brunswick County manufacturers to move goods efficiently, whether serving domestic customers or exporting globally.
A Climate for Innovation
North Carolina is not just pro-business, it’s pro-innovation. The state has invested heavily in research, technology, and advanced industries. Manufacturing companies benefit from access to university research, technology transfer programs, and innovation incubators that support the commercialization of new products and processes.
Brunswick County, with its proximity to major research universities and strong local partnerships, gives manufacturers a platform to innovate while maintaining close ties to their workforce and community. Companies like Epsilon Advanced Materials are already taking advantage of this climate, bringing cutting-edge processes and jobs to the region.
Brunswick County: A Local Advantage Within a Pro-Business State
While North Carolina as a whole provides a strong foundation for manufacturing, Brunswick County adds unique advantages:
- Strategic Location: Positioned along the southeastern U.S. coast, Brunswick County connects easily to regional and global markets.
- Quality of Life: A growing population, coastal amenities, and affordable living make the area attractive for both businesses and their employees.
- Supportive Partnerships: BBID and its network of partners, including the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and North Carolina’s Southeast, provide direct support for site selection, workforce development, and long-term growth.
Manufacturers choosing Brunswick County gain the benefits of North Carolina’s statewide business-friendly climate with the added value of local expertise, available sites, and hands-on support from BBID.
The Bottom Line
North Carolina has earned its reputation as one of the most pro-business states in the nation, with particular strengths in manufacturing. From its competitive tax rates and strong workforce to its well-developed infrastructure and innovation-driven economy, the state provides everything manufacturers need to succeed.
In Brunswick County, those advantages are amplified. Companies here enjoy access to state and regional resources while benefiting from a community committed to their success.
At Brunswick Business & Industry Development, our mission is to help businesses navigate these opportunities, whether they’re starting, relocating, or expanding. If you’re ready to explore what North Carolina’s pro-business manufacturing climate can do for your company, we’re here to help every step of the way.