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Latest News


Manufacturing Solutions Center Renews ISO/IES 17025 Accreditation
The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC), a division of Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), is proud to announce the successful renewal of its ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation.

Manufacturing Solutions Center
4 hours ago2 min read


Corning and Meta Celebrate Start of Construction on Cable Manufacturing Expansion in North Carolina to Support AI Buildout
Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) today marked the start of construction on a significant expansion of Corning’s optical cable manufacturing capacity in Hickory, North Carolina, reinforcing their collaboration to support the buildout of advanced AI data centers using technology developed and manufactured in the United States.

Corning
4 hours ago2 min read


Round Four REDI Sites Designations Bring New States into the National Program
Originally published at https://siteselectorsguild.com/redi-sites-round-four/ REDI Sites , a site readiness verification program created by the Site Selectors Guild, has announced its Round Four designations, recognizing 17 industrial sites that have met the program’s criteria for investment rea diness. This round marks a major milestone in the growth of REDI Sites: Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oklahoma previously had no designated REDI Sites. With this announ

Site Selectors Guild
7 days ago2 min read


$500K Golden LEAF Foundation funding equips nursing simulation lab at App State Hickory
By Courtney Roberts Posted March 3, 2026 at 1:25 p.m. at https://today.appstate.edu/2026/03/03/golden-leaf BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University has been awarded $500,000 in funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation, which supports the establishment of a nursing simulation and clinical learning lab at the App State Hickory campus . App State senior nursing major Kimber Blackburn, left, practices her nursing skills under the direction of Dr. Melinda Bogardus, assistant prof

Appalachian State University
Mar 44 min read


Corning to expand in NC after $6B Meta deal to accelerate data center development
Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW) is significantly expanding its optical cable manufacturing presence in North Carolina. The move comes as a result of a major deal with Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), which is now the anchor customer at Corning's Hickory cable plant. Corning and Meta have announced a multiyear deal worth up to $6 billion to accelerate U.S. data center development. Under the deal, Corning will supply its latest optical fiber, cable and connectivity products to M

Business North Carolina
Jan 271 min read


North Carolina Named No. 1 in Site Selection Magazine's Annual Workforce Development Rankings
Community colleges play a central role in driving state's workforce success; the N.C. Community College System's Economic Development programs power employer-driven talent pipelines statewide RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina has been ranked No. 1 in Site Selection Magazine's annual Workforce Development Rankings, reinforcing the state's reputation as a top destination for business investment and talent-driven growth. Site Selection Magazine is one o

North Carolina Community College System
Jan 54 min read


Coley, LLC announces $9M expansion creating 40 new jobs
Coley, LLC, a unique direct-to-consumer furniture company, has announced a significant expansion at its Catawba County site. The company is set to invest at least $9 million over the next three years and will create a minimum of 40 new positions with an average salary of $61,818, exceeding the county’s average wage of $54,280.

EDC Press Release
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Five Catawba County Manufacturers awarded $200,000 through first-of-its-kind Catawba Future-Ready Manufacturing Grant
The Catawba County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has announced the recipients of the inaugural Catawba Future-Ready Manufacturing Grant (FRMG). The program serves as a pioneering effort to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies among existing industries.

EDC Press Release
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Australian company launches US operation in Manufacturing Solutions Center Incubator
Thread the Word, an Australian company which specializes in manufacturing customized gift blankets, has opened a US-based manufacturing operation at the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) incubator located in Conover, North Carolina.

Manufacturing Solutions Center
Nov 12, 20252 min read


The City of Hickory attracts $920M investment, 1,615 jobs
and has designated a new innovation district for future growth. In today’s competitive economic landscape, location is more than geography—it’s strategy. The City of Hickory, North Carolina, is executing a bold, data-driven vision to position itself as a premier destination for business and industry. Through targeted investments in infrastructure, placemaking, and industrial readiness, Hickory is creating the conditions for sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term value

City of Hickory
Nov 5, 20258 min read
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