Manufacturing

Nov 20, 2025

Australian manufacturer to launch North American operations in Bladen County, investing more than $6M in Elizabethtown

Photo provided by Bladen County Economic DevelopmentVectorTex USA, LLC, a product developer and technology company, will create 44 new jobs in Bladen County. The company will establish its first North American manufacturing facility in Elizabethtown. ...

Oct 16, 2025

Canadian construction company to invest $15 million in Bladen County rebar manufacturing plant, adding 83 jobs

MST Rebar Inc.’s flagship product, MST-BAR®, is a corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional steel rebar. It is lighter, safer to handle and easier to install without compromising performance. Photo courtesy of MST Rebar.MST Rebar Inc., a fibergl ...

Oct 15, 2025

UNCP sparks regional innovation through first Southeastern Additive Manufacturing Expo

UNC Pembroke hosted its first-ever Southeastern Additive Manufacturing Initiative (SAMI) Expo last week, bringing together students, faculty and industry leaders from across the region for a day of hands-on learning, networking and innovation in 3D p ...

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Advances in Bariatric Surgery: Robotics, Revisions and What’s Ahead

Posted Apr 1, 2026
Bariatric surgery has evolved significantly in recent years, offering patients safer procedures, faster recoveries and better long-term outcomes. Bariatric surgeons at the Metabolic & Weight Management Center in Pinehurst say new technologies, pa
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Sep 26, 2025

Steel fabricator considering Fayetteville for $22 million expansion

Image courtesy of FCEDCOn Monday, Sept. 22, Council heard a request from FCEDC President & CEO Robert Van Geons to consider providing a $327,487 incentive grant from the City, to be paid in annual installments over five years for Project Superman ...

Sep 5, 2025

SBA launches MARC loan program; first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers, which make up 98% of all U.S. manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving C ...

Aug 7, 2025

Rollease Acmeda opens facility in Hope Mills; Company to invest $10M and create 50 jobs

Photo provided by Hope Mills Chamber of CommerceRollease Acmeda, a worldwide company in the window covering industry, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 4, 2025. This event marks the beginning of its operations at the new state-of-the-art facil ...

Aug 5, 2025

LG Textile Corp announces new premium apparel cut and sew facility in Sampson County, NC

LG Textile Corp, a fabric developer and premium apparel manufacturer, has selected a site in Clinton, North Carolina for its new cut and sew facility. This expansion marks a significant step in the company’s commitment towards producing 100% USA-made ...

Jun 23, 2025

Town of Hope Mills Board of Commissioners approves economic incentive for new industrial development

The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners approved an economic development incentive for “Project Shade” at their meeting on June 16. “Project Shade” refers to a United States headquartered company that is considering 103 Tom Starling Road for a new manu ...

Apr 17, 2025

Agricultural innovation: Phinite celebrates grand opening of largest animal waste drying facility in North Carolina

Despite its appearance, hog sludge actually has no odor. The anaerobic digestion process in the lagoon has broken down all of the odor in the material so that when Phinite extracts it to bring it to the drying facility it doesn’t smell. Photo by GFBJ ...


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In The Current Issue

Camden Commons: A new era of retail and commercial growth in Hope Mills

Nearly 80 acres of commercial development are now underway in Hope Mills. With Target serving as the anchor tenant, Camden Commons will bring a dynamic mix of retail and commercial opportunities. Land clearing and grading are underway at the site dev


Publisher's note: Pick up the torch

GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUIn the fall of 2025, I was approached to be a judge for the Better Business Bureau’s 2026 award series. Like many of you in the community, I didn’t realize that the BBB had its own awards, and I was excited t


Excellence as a standard: Inside Dr. Tamara Colvin's path to becoming director of the FSU HUB

As the director of the FSU HUB, Dr. Tamara Colvin is responsible for strategic and operational leadership to provide impactful support to emerging entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. Photo provided by Colvin.Fayetteville Cumberland Regional