North Carolina’s Top Industries and Their Supply Needs in 2025

North Carolina’s industrial landscape in 2025 represents a dynamic ecosystem of traditional manufacturing excellence and cutting-edge innovation. With 8,170 manufacturers employing 540,289 workers and generating over $55 billion in capital investment since 2021, the state continues to demonstrate why it’s consistently ranked among the top destinations for business and manufacturing. Understanding the specific supply needs of North Carolina’s key industries is essential for suppliers, manufacturers, and business leaders looking to capitalize on the state’s unprecedented growth trajectory.

Overview of North Carolina’s Industrial Economy

Economic Foundation and Scale

North Carolina’s manufacturing sector serves as the backbone of the state’s $650 billion economy, with the largest advanced manufacturing workforce in the Southeast. The state’s industrial base has evolved significantly from its traditional roots in textiles, tobacco, and furniture to encompass high-tech industries including aerospace, biotechnology, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Key Economic Indicators:

• Manufacturing Employment: 540,289 workers across 8,170 manufacturing facilities
• Investment Growth: Nearly $55 billion in new manufacturing investment since 2021
• Job Creation: 62,000 new manufacturing jobs announced since 2021
• Export Leadership: Top exports include machinery, chemicals, and vehicles
• Corporate Presence: 14 Fortune 500 and 26 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in the state

Geographic Manufacturing Hubs

North Carolina’s manufacturing activity is concentrated in several key regions, each with distinct industrial characteristics:

Charlotte Region: 43,867 manufacturing workers, led by automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing Research Triangle Park (RTP): 11,217 workers focused on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech manufacturing Piedmont Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem): 39,494 workers in textiles, furniture, and transportation equipment Eastern North Carolina: Specialized in food processing, agriculture, and traditional textiles

Top Industries and Their Supply Requirements

1. Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Machinery

North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing sector represents the second-largest industrial employment category with 61,668 jobs, encompassing everything from precision components to complex automated systems.

Industry Characteristics:

• Focus on Industry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing
• Heavy emphasis on precision engineering and quality control
• Integration of robotics, AI, and IoT technologies
• Growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient equipment

Critical Supply Needs:

Precision Components and Hardware:

• High-tolerance hydraulic system components for automated machinery
• Precision-engineered power transmission equipment including bearings, gears, and drives
• Specialized fasteners and connection systems for assembly applications
• Custom-machined components meeting tight dimensional specifications

Industrial Tools and Equipment:

• Advanced industrial power tools for precision manufacturing applications
• Calibrated measurement and testing equipment
• Specialized hand tools for assembly and maintenance operations
• Safety equipment meeting OSHA and industry-specific requirements

Technology Integration Materials:

• Sensors and monitoring equipment for IoT applications
• Electrical components for automation and control systems
• Protective enclosures and environmental control equipment
• Specialized lubricants and maintenance supplies for high-precision machinery

2. Automotive and Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

With 250+ automotive manufacturers and recent investments totaling nearly $21 billion in EV and battery production, North Carolina’s automotive sector represents one of the fastest-growing industrial segments.

Major Players and Projects:

• Toyota: $8 billion investment in North American EV battery manufacturing
• VinFast: Establishing significant EV production capabilities
• Natron Energy: $1.4 billion sodium-ion battery gigafactory creating 1,000+ jobs
• BMW, Volvo, and Honda: Established production facilities with expanding operations

Supply Requirements:

Precision Manufacturing Components:

• High-strength materials for lightweight vehicle construction
• Precision-machined engine and transmission components
• Advanced composite materials for body panels and structural elements
• Specialized coatings and surface treatments for durability

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure:

• Battery manufacturing equipment and specialized tooling
• High-voltage electrical components and safety systems
• Thermal management systems and cooling components
• Charging infrastructure equipment and installation supplies

Production Support Systems:

• Advanced automation and robotics equipment
• Quality control and testing instruments
• Material handling and logistics equipment
• Environmental control systems for battery production

3. Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

Building on North Carolina’s “First in Flight” heritage, the aerospace sector includes over 180 manufacturing companies producing components for both commercial and defense applications.

Industry Leaders:

• GE Aviation: Advanced engine components and avionics
• Honda Aircraft Company: Private aircraft production
• Lockheed Martin: Defense systems and aerospace components
• Boeing: Manufacturing facility in New Bern

Specialized Supply Needs:

High-Performance Materials:

• Aerospace-grade metals and alloys meeting stringent specifications
• Advanced composite materials for lightweight, high-strength applications
• Specialized fasteners and connection systems for critical applications
• Protective coatings and surface treatments for extreme environments

Precision Manufacturing Equipment:

• CNC machining centers with aerospace-level precision capabilities
• Specialized tooling for complex geometries and tight tolerances
• Non-destructive testing equipment for quality verification
• Clean room equipment and environmental controls

Defense-Specific Requirements:

• Security-compliant manufacturing equipment and processes
• Specialized materials meeting defense specifications
• Cybersecurity solutions for manufacturing systems
• Compliance tracking and documentation systems

4. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The Research Triangle Park hosts major pharmaceutical manufacturers, with the sector experiencing significant growth in biomanufacturing and advanced medical device production.

Major Companies:

• Pfizer: Large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Rocky Mount
• Novo Nordisk: Insulin and diabetes care product manufacturing
• Biogen: Biopharmaceutical production and research
• FUJIFILM Diosynth: Contract development and manufacturing

Critical Supply Requirements:

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment:

• Sterile processing equipment meeting FDA validation requirements
• Precision measurement and control systems for batch processing
• Clean room infrastructure and environmental monitoring systems
• Specialized materials handling equipment for active pharmaceutical ingredients

Quality Control and Compliance:

• Laboratory equipment for analytical testing and quality control
• Documentation and traceability systems for regulatory compliance
• Calibrated instrumentation for process monitoring
• Validation and qualification services for manufacturing equipment

Biotech-Specific Needs:

• Bioreactor systems and fermentation equipment
• Cell culture and tissue engineering supplies
• Cold chain storage and transportation equipment
• Specialized safety equipment for handling biological materials

5. Food Processing and Agricultural Manufacturing

North Carolina touts the second-largest animal processing and manufacturing cluster in the U.S., with major companies including PepsiCo, Campbell Soup Company, and Smithfield Foods.

Industry Scope:

• Animal processing and meat production
• Beverage manufacturing and bottling
• Confectionery and snack food production
• Agricultural equipment and supplies manufacturing

Supply Chain Requirements:

Food Safety and Processing Equipment:

• Stainless steel processing equipment meeting sanitary design standards
• Temperature control systems for food safety compliance
• Specialized cleaning and sanitization equipment
• Packaging machinery and materials meeting food-grade requirements

Agricultural Support Systems:

• Farm equipment and machinery for crop production
• Irrigation systems and water management equipment
• Grain handling and storage systems
• Livestock facilities and equipment

Processing Infrastructure:

• Refrigeration and cold storage systems
• Waste management and environmental control equipment
• Quality control testing equipment
• Maintenance supplies specific to food processing environments

6. Textile and Nonwoven Manufacturing

Despite industry changes, North Carolina maintains the largest textile mill industry in the U.S., with companies like Hanes, Kimberly-Clark, and numerous specialty manufacturers.

Modern Textile Focus:

• Technical textiles for automotive and aerospace applications
• Medical textiles and nonwoven materials
• Smart textiles with embedded electronics
• Sustainable and recycled fiber production

Supply Requirements:

Advanced Manufacturing Equipment:

• High-speed textile machinery for efficient production
• Specialized equipment for technical textile applications
• Fiber processing and blending equipment
• Quality control systems for textile testing

Smart Textile Technology:

• Microelectronics for wearable sensor applications
• Conductive fibers and yarns for e-textile production
• Specialized coatings and treatments for functional textiles
• Integration equipment for embedding electronics in fabrics

Sustainable Production:

• Equipment for recycled fiber processing
• Water treatment systems for textile dyeing operations
• Energy-efficient heating and drying systems
• Environmental monitoring and control equipment

7. Chemical and Plastics Manufacturing

With 74,800+ jobs in plastic and chemical manufacturing, North Carolina represents the sixth-largest industry workforce in the US, hosting companies like Dow, DuPont, and PPG.

Industry Segments:

• Specialty chemicals and advanced materials
• Plastics and polymer processing
• Coatings and adhesives manufacturing
• Agricultural chemicals and fertilizers

Specialized Supply Needs:

Process Equipment:

• Chemical reactors and processing vessels meeting pressure and temperature specifications
• Specialized pumping systems for corrosive and hazardous materials
• Heat exchangers and thermal processing equipment
• Material handling systems for bulk chemicals and powders

Safety and Environmental Systems:

• Emergency response equipment for chemical incidents
• Environmental monitoring and control systems
• Personal protective equipment for chemical handling
• Waste treatment and disposal systems

Quality Control Infrastructure:

• Analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis
• Process monitoring and control systems
• Calibration standards and reference materials
• Laboratory equipment for product development and testing

8. Furniture and Wood Products Manufacturing

As the “Furniture Capital of the World,” North Carolina continues to lead in furniture design and manufacturing, though the industry has evolved toward high-end and specialized products.

Industry Evolution:

• Shift toward premium and custom furniture production
• Integration of advanced woodworking technology
• Sustainable forestry and eco-friendly materials
• Export-oriented production for global markets

Supply Requirements:

Advanced Woodworking Equipment:

• CNC woodworking machinery for precision cutting and shaping
• Automated finishing systems for consistent quality
• Material handling systems for large furniture components
• Dust collection and environmental control systems

Sustainable Production:

• Equipment for processing recycled and reclaimed wood materials
• Energy-efficient drying and curing systems
• Low-emission finishing materials and equipment
• Waste reduction and recycling systems

Supply Chain Considerations and Trends

Industry 4.0 Integration

North Carolina manufacturers are increasingly adopting smart manufacturing technologies that require specialized supply chain support:

Digital Infrastructure:

• Industrial IoT sensors and monitoring systems
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise software
• Cybersecurity solutions for connected manufacturing
• Data analytics and artificial intelligence platforms

Automation and Robotics:

• Collaborative robots (cobots) for human-machine collaboration
• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for material handling
• Machine vision systems for quality control
• Predictive maintenance technologies

Sustainability and Environmental Compliance

Environmental responsibility is becoming a critical factor in supply chain decisions:

Green Manufacturing:

• Energy-efficient equipment and systems
• Renewable energy infrastructure and components
• Waste reduction and recycling equipment
• Environmental monitoring and compliance systems

Sustainable Materials:

• Recycled and bio-based raw materials
• Low-emission and non-toxic alternatives
• Packaging materials meeting sustainability criteria
• End-of-life product recovery systems

Workforce Development and Skills

North Carolina’s manufacturing growth requires ongoing workforce development support:

Training Infrastructure:

• Technical training equipment for community colleges
• Safety training systems and simulation equipment
• Certification and testing equipment
• Digital learning platforms and tools

Skills Development:

• Advanced manufacturing training programs
• Apprenticeship and on-the-job training support
• Continuing education for technology updates
• Cross-training for operational flexibility

Regional Supply Chain Advantages

Transportation and Logistics Infrastructure

North Carolina’s strategic location and infrastructure provide significant supply chain advantages:

Highway Network:

• Interstate highways connecting major markets
• Well-developed state highway system
• Strategic location along the Eastern Seaboard
• Access to major metropolitan markets

Port and Rail Systems:

• Deep-water ports in Wilmington and Morehead City
• Extensive rail network for freight transportation
• Intermodal facilities for efficient cargo transfer
• Access to both domestic and international markets

Air Transportation:

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport as a major cargo hub
• Regional airports supporting specialized cargo needs
• Proximity to major East Coast air hubs
• Efficient air freight networks

Local Supply Chain Ecosystem

North Carolina’s mature industrial ecosystem provides extensive local supply chain support:

Established Supplier Networks:

• Comprehensive network of component manufacturers and suppliers
• Specialized service providers for industrial maintenance and repair
• Local availability of technical expertise and support
• Reduced transportation costs and lead times

Industrial Support Services:

• Equipment maintenance and repair services
• Technical consulting and engineering support
• Quality control and testing laboratories
• Logistics and distribution services

Working with established local suppliers offers significant advantages for North Carolina manufacturers. Companies like Cruco Supply provide comprehensive industrial supply solutions that understand both the technical requirements and business dynamics of the state’s diverse industrial sectors.

Whether manufacturers need precision hydraulic components for advanced manufacturing equipment, reliable power transmission systems for automotive production, durable industrial tools for aerospace applications, or specialized hand tools for biotechnology manufacturing, experienced local suppliers provide the expertise and responsiveness necessary for competitive operations.

Emerging Opportunities and Future Trends

Electric Vehicle Supply Chain Development

The rapid growth of EV manufacturing creates new supply chain opportunities:

Battery Manufacturing Support:

• Specialized equipment for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery production
• Clean room infrastructure for battery assembly
• Material handling systems for battery components
• Safety equipment for high-energy battery operations

Charging Infrastructure:

• Electric vehicle charging station components and installation
• Grid integration and power management systems
• Maintenance and service equipment for charging networks
• Specialized tools for electrical installation and repair

Advanced Materials and Composites

Growing demand for lightweight, high-strength materials across multiple industries:

Composite Manufacturing:

• Carbon fiber processing and fabrication equipment
• Resin systems and curing equipment
• Specialized tooling for complex geometries
• Testing equipment for material validation

Advanced Metallurgy:

• Additive manufacturing equipment for metal production
• Specialized alloys and high-performance materials
• Heat treatment and processing equipment
• Non-destructive testing for quality verification

Biotechnology Expansion

Continued growth in biomanufacturing and medical device production:

Biomanufacturing Equipment:

• Large-scale fermentation and cell culture systems
• Downstream processing and purification equipment
• Sterile filling and packaging systems
• Process monitoring and control instrumentation

Medical Device Manufacturing:

• Precision machining equipment for implantable devices
• Clean room manufacturing infrastructure
• Sterilization and validation equipment
• Regulatory compliance and documentation systems

Strategic Considerations for Supply Chain Partners

Quality and Compliance Requirements

North Carolina’s diverse industries require suppliers who understand varying quality and regulatory requirements:

Industry-Specific Standards:

• Aerospace: AS9100 quality management systems
• Automotive: ISO/TS 16949 automotive quality standards
• Pharmaceutical: FDA validation and GMP compliance
• Food Processing: HACCP and food safety regulations

Continuous Improvement:

• Lean manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives
• Statistical process control and quality metrics
• Supplier development and partnership programs
• Technology adoption and capability enhancement

Innovation and Technology Partnership

Successful suppliers must evolve with their customers’ technological advancement:

R&D Collaboration:

• Joint product development initiatives
• Technology sharing and knowledge transfer
• Prototype development and testing support
• Innovation partnerships with universities and research institutions

Technology Integration:

• Digital supply chain platforms and connectivity
• Predictive analytics for supply chain optimization
• Real-time inventory and demand planning
• Automated ordering and replenishment systems

Risk Management and Resilience

Recent supply chain disruptions have emphasized the importance of resilience:

Supply Chain Diversification:

• Multiple supplier sources for critical components
• Geographic diversification to reduce regional risks
• Inventory management for supply security
• Alternative transportation and logistics options

Business Continuity:

• Emergency response and recovery planning
• Cybersecurity for supply chain protection
• Financial stability and risk assessment
• Communication and coordination protocols

Conclusion

North Carolina’s industrial landscape in 2025 presents unprecedented opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers across multiple high-growth sectors. From traditional manufacturing excellence in textiles and furniture to cutting-edge developments in electric vehicles and biotechnology, the state’s diverse industrial base requires sophisticated supply chain support that can adapt to evolving technological and market demands.

Key Success Factors for Supply Chain Partners:

• Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of specific industry requirements and regulations
• Quality Excellence: Consistent delivery of products and services meeting stringent quality standards
• Technology Integration: Ability to support advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives
• Responsive Service: Local presence and rapid response capabilities for critical supply needs
• Partnership Approach: Collaborative relationships supporting customer growth and innovation
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing investment in capabilities and technology advancement

Market Opportunities:

• $55+ billion in new manufacturing investment creating demand for suppliers
• 62,000 new manufacturing jobs requiring comprehensive supply chain support
• Growing EV sector with specialized component and infrastructure needs
• Expanding biotechnology sector requiring sterile and precision manufacturing supplies
• Advanced manufacturing adoption driving demand for high-tech equipment and materials

North Carolina’s manufacturers benefit from working with suppliers who understand both the technical demands of modern manufacturing and the business dynamics of the state’s competitive industrial environment. The combination of established industrial expertise, emerging technology adoption, and strong business climate creates a compelling environment for supply chain partnerships that can drive mutual growth and success.

For suppliers looking to capitalize on North Carolina’s industrial growth, the key is developing comprehensive capabilities that can serve multiple industries while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving requirements. Success in this dynamic environment requires not just product excellence, but also the service capabilities and partnership approach necessary to support the state’s world-class manufacturing operations.

Explore comprehensive industrial supply solutions designed to support North Carolina’s diverse manufacturing sectors and help businesses capitalize on the state’s unprecedented growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.