Rowan EDC

A strong workforce starts with exposure. When students visit a workplace, they can discover careers they may never have considered and meet the people doing those jobs.

That connection matters in Rowan County. It helps students make informed choices about their next steps while giving employers an opportunity to introduce the skills their industries need. This week’s manufacturing tours are one way our community is building those connections early.

Exciting news for the Town of Landis and Rowan County! We are pleased to share that Xingyu Automotive Lighting Systems will be establishing its first United States manufacturing facility in the Landis Ridge Industrial Park in Landis!

Xingyu’s new U.S. operation will support plastic injection molding production for headlight and taillight components serving major automotive manufacturers. The company expects to create 300-500 jobs over the next several years and will invest $50 million in equipment and improvements to its new facility, which is located at 205 Richwater Street.

Bringing Xingyu to Rowan County was a team effort which took several months. The Rowan EDC would like to thank the Town of Landis, Colliers International, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina for all their hard work. We would also like to congratulate Ryan Beadle and the team at JacksonShaw, the developers of Landis Ridge Industrial Park. Their investment in Rowan County made this win possible.

A career can start with a chance to see what’s possible.

During this week’s Student Manufacturing Tours, young people will get a firsthand look at the companies, careers and opportunities available in Rowan County. By touring local facilities and meeting employees, students can connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world career paths.

These experiences help students explore the possibilities within manufacturing while strengthening Rowan County’s future talent pipeline. Thank you to the manufacturers and educators investing in the next generation and helping students picture a future right here at home.

What a great way to celebrate Manufacturing Day in Rowan County!

Today, the Rowan Economic Development Council welcomed local manufacturers, industry leaders and community partners for our 2026 Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon at Catawba College.

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Jonathan Halas, Director of Operations for Jabil in North Carolina, for sharing an exciting look at Jabil’s growing presence in Rowan County and the work still to come. His presentation brought incredible energy to the room and highlighted the continued momentum of manufacturing across our community.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us today as we celebrated the companies and people who help make manufacturing such an important part of Rowan County’s economy.

Happy Manufacturing Day! 🏭

Today is National Manufacturing Day, and there’s plenty to celebrate right here in Rowan County!

Manufacturing has long been a key part of Rowan County’s economy, providing quality career opportunities, driving investment and supporting businesses throughout our community. From advanced manufacturing and automotive components to food and beverage production and more, products made in Rowan County reach customers across the country and around the world.

As we kick off Manufacturing Month, Rowan EDC is proud to recognize the companies, employees and industry partners that continue to make, build and innovate right here in Rowan County.

Happy National Manufacturing Day to our local manufacturers and the hardworking people behind them!

Investor Highlight: Choate Construction

This week’s Investor Highlight recognizes Choate Construction, a trusted partner helping bring projects and opportunities to life across the Southeast.

With decades of experience in commercial construction, Choate Construction serves a variety of industries, including industrial, manufacturing, health care, life sciences and corporate development. The company’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and quality has helped build a strong reputation throughout the region.

Rowan EDC is proud to recognize Choate Construction for its investment in our organization and its support of continued economic growth in Rowan County.

Thank you, Choate Construction, for being a valued Rowan EDC investor and partner in building a stronger future for our community.

Work in Rowan Wednesday

Looking for your next career opportunity? DHL is hiring in Salisbury and China Grove for multiple positions across its operations.

Current openings include forklift operators, data entry operators, order filler pickers, group coordinator leads and operations clerks.

These opportunities are another great way to Work in Rowan and build your career with a global logistics company right here in Rowan County.

🔗Appy Here: https://jobs.rowanedc.com/jobs?q=dhl

What an incredible turnout for the Rowan County Fall Job Fair!

It was exciting to see job seekers come ready to connect with some of our region’s major employers, including DHL, Hexagon Agility, Henkel, Novant Health and many more. The strong attendance throughout the event showed just how valuable it is to bring local talent and businesses together in one place.

Before the job fair opened to job seekers, participating employers also had the opportunity to connect with one another during a dedicated networking session.
Employers shared insights, discussed workforce needs and challenges, and built connections with other businesses navigating many of the same opportunities across our region.

From employer-to-employer conversations to job seekers making new connections and exploring career opportunities, the Fall Job Fair was about more than filling open positions. It was about strengthening Rowan County’s workforce network and creating meaningful connections between the people and businesses that keep our economy moving forward.

Thank you to all of the employers, job seekers and partners who helped make this event such a success!

Located along the I-85 corridor and spanning both Rowan and Cabarrus counties, Kannapolis is a growing community where innovation, industry and revitalization come together.

Once known primarily for its textile and manufacturing roots, Kannapolis has transformed into a hub for life sciences, health care, advanced manufacturing, logistics and food technologies. The city is home to the North Carolina Research Campus, where university programs are advancing research in health, nutrition and science.

Kannapolis has also invested significantly in its downtown, creating a mixed-use destination with new businesses, housing, entertainment and the Atrium Health Ballpark. Its location provides convenient access to I-85, rail and the greater Charlotte region, supporting continued business growth and investment.

With strong connections to both Rowan and Cabarrus counties, Kannapolis continues to build on its history while creating new opportunities for businesses, residents and the regional workforce.

One of the most important tools in economic development isn't a building or a business park; it's relationships. Strong connections with business leaders, elected officials, educators and community partners allow opportunities to move faster and challenges to be solved more effectively.

Every conversation helps strengthen Rowan County's business community. Whether meeting with an existing employer, hosting a prospect visit or collaborating with regional partners, relationships continue to be one of our greatest assets.