A Publication of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation
November 2023
Toyota Doubles Down
At the time of the last newsletter, the Toyota Battery Plant in Liberty was announced at a total of around $6 Billion in investment, creating 2,100 jobs. Those numbers represent what was the largest economic development announcement in North Carolina history, no small feat. On October 31st, the company upped the ante and announced more than double the investment and job numbers at the site. The timeline of announcements is as follows:
December 6th, 2021 - $1.29 billion, 1,750 jobs
August 31st, 2022 - $2.5 billion, 350 jobs
May 31st, 2023 - $2.1 billion
October 31st, 2023 - $8 billion, 3,000 jobs
In total, the announcements add up to $13.9 billion in investment and 5,100 jobs. This project continues to be transformational for the County. The EDC is thrilled about what's to come but is also working closely with our partners to prepare for future challenges that come with a project of this size.
Read more in the press release below and check out the video provided with the announcement.
Millikan Tractor LLC was recently named a winner of the Triad Business Journal's 2023 Family Business Awards. Read More
Technimark has won the RJG Mold Smart Award in Europe. The award recognizes companies that have made a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of their products and making a positive impact on society and the environment. Read More
Sedia Systems' Tecton Jury Chairs were recently seen on ABC/Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer Season 2. Read More
Asheboro Elastics Corporation has named a new President. Jeff Crisco, son of the late AEC founding partner Keith Crisco, will move into the position immediately. Read More
Thomas Built Buses was recognized as "Steward of the Year" by NCDEQ for its commitment to environmental excellence. Read More
Ambelle Home debuted a new southern-inspired furniture line in collaboration with designer Shayla Copas. Read More
Industry Appreciation Month Recap
The EDC recently wrapped up its third annual Industry Appreciation Month. Each year, the first Friday of October is reserved as National Manufacturing Day, which communities across the country, including ours, celebrate. The EDC believes that our local industry deserves more than just a single day, hence Industry Appreciation Month. Events this month included:
Forklift Rodeo - Another fun and exciting rodeo event this year with ten companies participating. This year's winners were: 1st Place - Rudy Estrada from Masterbrand, 2nd Place - Desmond Simes from Dart Container, 3rd Place - Vernon Johnson from Jowat. If you're curious about what the forklift rodeo looks like, check out some drone footage below from last year's event.
Pictured: This year's Forklift Rodeo Winners
Industry Tours - We had two engaging and informational tours this year. First at PEMMCO, where we learned more about the machining company who provides components for the auto, aerospace, and firearms industries. Our second tour was at Pexco an extrusion-molded plastics company who provides components for traffic safety, and telecommunications.
Pictured: PEMMCO Tour Attendees
Pictured: Pexco Tour Attendees
Industrial Council - An educational event for industry leaders; this October we heard from representatives of Randolph Community College, Ken Hughes, Director of Customized Training, and Isai Robledo, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, who spoke about the college's efforts around workforce development and programs that may be available to Industry.
Industry Appreciation Luncheon - The annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon recognizes companies celebrating milestone anniversaries (5,10,15 years...etc.) of doing business in the county. This year's companies celebrating milestones totaled 2,345 years of doing business in Randolph County!
Pictured: Milestone Award Recipients in Attendance
Outstanding Industry of the Year - Each year we solicit nominations for the Outstanding Industry of the Year award. The award is selected based on four criteria: Business Performance, Positive Impact, Community Involvement, and Standard of Conduct. We received multiple competitive nominations for the award and after heavy deliberation the RCEDC Executive Committee selected this years winner.
Pictured Left to Right: Kevin Franklin - EDC President, Sandra Lail - Vice President, Sapona Plastics, Kay Lail - Vice President, Sapona Plastics, Dean Lail - President, Sapona Plastics, Fred Smith - RCEDC Board Vice Chair, Brantley Craft - Existing Industry Director, RCEDC
Interested in learning more about these events? Reach out to Brantley below.
Thank you to the companies below who have recently renewed their support of the EDC and the Randolph Rises campaign. We would especially like to welcome our new investors: Atlantic Coast ToyotaLift, D&D Enterprises, and Toyota Tsusho America, Inc.
If you are interested in learning more about Randolph Rises, please click the button below.
