What’s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina.
Manufacturing remains one of the most important drivers of North Carolina’s economy, with more than 453,300 people employed by over 9,000 manufacturers across the state.
From advanced manufacturing and aerospace to life sciences and food production, North Carolina manufacturers help power the state’s economic competitiveness, innovation capacity, and long-term growth.
As the exclusive state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber advocates for policies that strengthen manufacturing investment, workforce alignment, supply chain resilience, and industrial competitiveness across North Carolina.
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NC Manufacturing Tour
Showcasing what is made in North Carolina and the career opportunities offered in the industry are key priorities for the NC Chamber. The NC Manufacturing Tour elevates the visibility of this vital industry, educates the public about its statewide impact, and introduces students to limitless potential of manufacturing careers.
Each tour tells a different story and provides a chance for North Carolinians to see how different products are made. Learn more.
The NC Manufacturing Council
The NC Manufacturing Council, for our Cornerstone Members, convenes manufacturing leaders from across North Carolina to help shape policy priorities, share industry insights, and address emerging challenges impacting the sector.
Through quarterly convenings and strategic engagement, Council members collaborate on issues including workforce alignment, supply chain resilience, trade, energy, infrastructure, and the future of advanced manufacturing.
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The “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Annual Competition
Each fall, the NC Chamber hosts its annual Coolest Thing Made in NC contest — a statewide celebration of North Carolina’s manufacturers that simultaneously educates future workers about the rewarding careers of modern manufacturing. The contest has grown into one of the state’s largest manufacturing engagement initiatives, generating more than 45,000 public votes and over 180 nominations in 2025 alone.
The winner is announced on Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), a day which is organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute. It champions the next generation of creators to change perceptions of manufacturing and highlights the exciting careers in manufacturing, with an ultimate goal of closing the widening skills gap. Similarly, it is the NC Chamber’s intention to drive fruitful engagement between North Carolina employers and today’s students (tomorrow’s talent).
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The Agenda
- Learn how the NC Chamber championed issues for North Carolina’s businesses in the latest edition of How They Voted.
- View our Legislative Agenda to learn how the NC Chamber will advance manufacturing in North Carolina this legislative session and drive solutions to the primary problems facing this important sector.
Join the Effort
Do you want a seat at the table as we work to advance the manufacturing industry in North Carolina? Add your voice to our NC Chamber member family today.