News
7 Oct 2025
News
Each October, communities across America celebrate Manufacturing Day, a nationwide effort to highlight the importance of manufacturing and the incredible people who make it possible. On October 3, 2025, Caldwell County Economic Development joins this celebration with pride as we honor our community’s long and rich history of manufacturing and spotlight the industries and workforce that continue to move us forward.
Manufacturing has stood at the heart of our economy for generations in Caldwell County, shaping our identity. From early mills and workshops to today’s advanced facilities, we have consistently shown that in Caldwell County, “We still make things here.”
Today, Caldwell County’s manufacturing base is both diverse and dynamic. Several companies have been producing goods here for more than a century, and nearly a quarter of all local jobs are now credited to manufacturing. Caldwell’s heritage industries, including textiles and furniture production, continue to provide our community with economic stability and a legacy skilled workforce. Newer sectors, like biotechnology, metal fabrication, food processing, industrialized construction and precision manufacturing, build on that heritage and thrive with cutting-edge techniques and a strong utility infrastructure. This blend of local history and innovation ensures that Caldwell County remains a competitive hub in American manufacturing.
Manufacturing remains one of the most critical drivers of economic opportunity in Caldwell County. Local manufacturers provide valuable jobs and generate significant investment in facilities and equipment while simultaneously serving as vital partners to schools, workforce organizations and community programs.
Beyond the variety of industries, Caldwell County stands out for its resilient, skilled workforce. Local families have cultivated careers in manufacturing, passing down knowledge and craftsmanship to future generations. Those honored traditions combined with today’s workforce development programs ensure that Caldwell County remains a competitive and attractive location for companies looking to grow.
Industrialized construction is becoming more prominent in Caldwell County, and local facility development is underway. Industrialized construction moves much of the building process off-site into a factory-like setting where construction components are manufactured and ultimately transported for assembly. This approach is designed to improve efficiency, quality and affordability across projects.
The Western North Carolina Industrialized Construction (NCIC) Strategy Development Consortium has included the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton corridor in its exploration for new methods, such as prefabricated components for affordable housing and the use of innovative building materials.
Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to celebrate the workers who keep our economy strong and to showcase the industries that make Caldwell County a place of opportunity.
Join us for a Manufacturing Open House!
This is a family-friendly Open House at CCC&TI to explore manufacturing careers and tour the biotechnology, welding, and furniture labs! Parents/Guardians and students of all ages are welcome to join us.
As Caldwell County celebrates Manufacturing Day 2025, we do so with pride in what we have built and optimism for the future of making things right here at home.
We still make things here, and we always will!
Caldwell County offers something rare in today’s economy: affordability paired with quality of life. Here, businesses can find cost-effective environments to operate, while families enjoy a lower cost of living. Our economic diversity strengthens this foundation. Manufacturing sits alongside healthcare, education, retail and tourism sectors, giving Caldwell County a balanced and resilient local economy.
Not to mention the natural beauty! Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our community offers unmatched lifestyle advantages with abundant scenic landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Get involved with Caldwell County Economic Development today! Contact us today to learn more about our initiatives and upcoming events, and how you can contribute to our mission of fostering a thriving local economy.
Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.
Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states
Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
Record numbers of new businesses and industries have registered in Caldwell: 250-500 each year since 2018. The CCC&TI Business Center is ready to assist.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.
Caldwell County is building on its historic manufacturing legacy while embracing the industries of tomorrow. With affordability, a strategic location, and a skilled workforce, the county is a prime destination for business growth and investment.
Caldwell County ranked 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for wage growth in 2023. Since 2015, wages have grown an impressive 51.5%.