15 Dec 2025
News
Manufacturing continues to be critical to North Carolina’s economy: a previous LEAD Feed blog article reported that in 2024, this sector had an economic output of $108 billion1, accounting for 14.5% of North Carolina’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP)2. The same data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) can be used to look more closely at specific manufacturing subsectors to uncover insightful trends over the last two decades.
At a high level, manufacturing industries are divided into durable and nondurable goods categories. Durable Goods Manufacturing refers to the production of items with a normal life expectancy of three years or more, whereas Nondurable Goods Manufacturing relates to items that generally have a life expectancy of less than three years. This division between Durable and Nondurable Goods Manufacturing can help us understand growth in the overall Manufacturing sector over time. Table 1 presents the top 5 GDP for each of these groupings:
CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.
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.
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.
NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states
Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.
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.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
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%.
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
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Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.
Caldwell County would like to recognize our county's manufacturers during Manufacturing Week, Oct 2nd-Oct 6th, 2026. Below is a list of local events in support of our manufacturing industry.
Golf Tournament - Country Club - Tuesday, Oct 3rd - 8am to 4pm
Business Luncheon - Restaurant - Wednesday, Oct 4th - 11:30am to 1:30pm
Facility Tours for HS Students - Thursday, Oct 5th - 8am to 4pm
