North Carolina's commitment to its status as a hub for aerospace was on full display as Governor Josh Stein, along with other state officials, ventured to Paris for the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show. As stated on their official website, Governor Stein emphasized, "North Carolina is first in flight, and we are the future of flight." The delegation from the Tar Heel State used the opportunity to not only showcase their existing aerospace success but to also court new business.
The trip aimed to advance connections with international companies, particularly French businesses, with which North Carolina has built a robust relationship. Secretary Lee Lilley explained that the event has "opened potential avenues for new companies to plant their roots in North Carolina." The state, according to the Office of the Governor's official press release, has been working tirelessly to not only attract but also to expand the operations of such international companies.
North Carolina touts an impressive roster of approximately 400 aerospace companies, generating significant economic activity, pegged at $88 billion annually. Notable among them is Airbus, with a hefty presence in Kinston, employing a significant number of workers. This industrial showcase was bolstered by a recent announcement, as revealed by Governor Stein, of JetZero's new manufacturing hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport, anticipated to create an unprecedented number of jobs.
The state's educational institutions are also stepping up to the plate, with Guilford Technical Community College recently announcing a $35 million aviation training facility. This move unmistakably seeks to bolster North Carolina's workforce further, hoping to keep pace with the growing industry demand. These educational efforts, as stated on the Office of the Governor website, are part of a larger strategy to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for the aerospace boom the state is eyeing.
French investments have already been fruitful, with over the last decade, 113 companies announcing projects leading to notable investments and job creation. It stands as a testament to the state's ongoing efforts to foster a business-friendly environment as more than 100 French companies already operate in North Carolina, employing thousands in the local workforce, as detailed by the Office of the Governor's recent press release.
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