4 Jun 2026
News
Many life science companies consider the Research Triangle when expanding in North Carolina. However, Western North Carolina is also gaining momentum. Caldwell County, in particular, is seeing steady growth in biopharmaceutical, medical, and research operations. Employers here point to available talent, lower costs, and space to grow as key advantages. These factors are drawing more site selection conversations to the region.
North Carolina is one of the top biotech hubs in the country, with 790 life sciences companies and 2,500 related service providers. The state keeps adding new firms in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and agricultural technology.
Each year, Caldwell County’s life science and biopharmaceutical sector creates new jobs. This growth comes from focused investment in industry clusters, workforce training, available sites, and partnerships.
Caldwell County is home to companies involved in research, manufacturing, and specialized production. Businesses here work in contract development and manufacturing, allergen immunotherapy, and medical products.
Major employers such as BioNutra Life Science, Exela Pharma Sciences, Stallergenes Greer, and Adhezion Biomedical form the core of the local cluster. These companies bring technical expertise and strong supplier networks.
This major employer base creates demand for skilled operators, quality professionals, and research staff. It also supports vendors and service providers that work across validation, packaging, and logistics.
Caldwell County benefits from a strong regional education system that produces a steady stream of talent. Each year, about 2,000 students graduate from health-related programs within 50 miles. Statewide, colleges and universities award over 6,000 biological and biomedical degrees annually.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has introduced a Pharmaceutical Technology program, one of just two in North Carolina. This program trains technicians for jobs in production, quality control, and compliance, matching what employers need in regulated manufacturing.
Employers also use training resources from the North Carolina Community College System and BioNetwork. Qualifying companies can get customized job training at no cost. These programs help new hires get up to speed faster and support employee retention.
Other partners include Appalachian State University in Hickory, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the UNC Charlotte Research Institute. These schools support applied research, engineering, and workforce development.
Caldwell County has sites that meet life science needs. There are several sites available in Lenoir, NC, where the majority of biopharmaceutical and life science companies are in Caldwell County. This location also helps streamline logistics for materials and finished products.
Across the state, there are 160 contract research organizations and over 325 sites working on human therapeutics and vaccine development. This network helps with clinical trials, assay development, and regulatory work.
Caldwell County and its regional partners are working to create new opportunities for the life science industry in Western North Carolina. Local and statewide groups are teaming up on a federal grant application aimed at expanding the region’s long-term life science capacity.
This effort brings together Burke Development Incorporated, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and First Flight Venture Center. The plan would invest in Western North Carolina by creating more incubator and wet lab space for new and growing life science companies.
Project leaders are seeking about $30 million in funding to help the region grow its life sciences sector and create new opportunities for research, startups, and advanced manufacturing. If successful, the project would fill a major gap, as there is currently no wet-lab incubator space in North Carolina west of Interstate 77.
Although funding decisions are still underway, this regional collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term growth in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related research in Western North Carolina. The initiative also supports ongoing recovery and economic diversification in the area.
Operating costs play a big role in site selection. Caldwell County has lower real estate costs than the state’s major metro areas. Companies can get more space for production and expansion without the high prices found in busier markets.
Lower costs go beyond just land and buildings. Employers also mention competitive wages, less traffic, and quick permitting. These advantages help speed up projects and lower risks.
North Carolina’s business climate encourages investment. CNBC named the state America’s Top State for Business in 2025, the third time in four years it has earned this honor. The ranking is based on workforce, infrastructure, and cost of doing business.
Caldwell County is part of a statewide system that supports research, commercialization, and production. North Carolina is strong in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and agricultural biotechnology, with universities, research centers, and industry groups all playing a role.
Important resources include the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the North Carolina Biosciences Organization, and the NC Research Parks Network. These groups help companies find funding, research partners, and technical support.
The state is home to six medical schools, four pharmacy schools, and three major cancer centers. Research in fields like regenerative medicine helps drive long-term innovation.
Life science companies need specialized talent, and Caldwell County is a great place to attract and keep employees. Workers here enjoy outdoor recreation, short commutes, and a lower cost of living compared to bigger cities.
Communities in Western North Carolina offer stable housing and access to local amenities. This helps keep the workforce steady, which is important for regulated manufacturing and research.
Employers say that quality of life affects hiring. Candidates often consider cost of living, commute times, and access to outdoor spaces, and Caldwell County scores well in all these areas.
Caldwell County is now a key life science location in Western North Carolina. It offers a strong base of employers, a growing workforce, and available sites. Companies can launch operations, expand production, and connect with the statewide network.
Having established biopharmaceutical employers lowers the risk for new companies. Training programs align with industry needs, infrastructure supports regulated manufacturing, and costs remain competitive.
All these factors make Caldwell County a practical choice for companies seeking both capacity and space to grow.
Reach out to Caldwell County Economic Development to learn about available sites, workforce resources, and custom incentives for your next life science project. Let’s talk about how Western North Carolina can help your company grow.
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%.
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.
Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.
Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states
CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
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.
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 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.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
