Manufacturing

Apr 30, 2026

Oldcastle Infrastructure celebrates grand opening of automated wetcast facility

Photos by GFBJOldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH company and a national leader in infrastructure solutions, celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art, automated wet-cast manufacturing facility in Vander, North Carolina. The facility expands r ...

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 ...

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Why Skilled Trades Matter: Addressing the Decline and Urgent Need in Plumbing and HVAC

Posted Apr 1, 2026
Amidst the technological revolution and evolving workforce, skilled trades remain a  lynchpin of society. The roles of plumbers and HVAC technicians are critical—not only for daily  comfort and safety, but for broader economic stability. Ho
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Oct 6, 2025

UNC Pembroke will host Southeastern Additive Manufacturing Initiative Expo

Graphic courtesy of UNCPUNC Pembroke will host the Southeastern Additive Manufacturing Initiative (SAMI) Expo on Friday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. at James A. Thomas Hall.  The free event, hosted by the Thomas College of Business and Eco ...

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 ...


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In The Current Issue

Empowering Veterans: The 2026 Fayetteville Veterans Business Expo aims to close the opportunity gap

This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th


Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle


The Hive of Hope Mills is open for business: Big T's serves as anchor tenant

Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.