Global electronics and manufacturing powerhouse Jabil Inc. has announced plans to invest $500 million in establishing an advanced manufacturing facility in Rowan County, North Carolina. As part of its expansion into cloud and AI infrastructure, the project is projected to create 1,181 jobs—ranging from engineering to high-tech manufacturing positions—by 2030.
Located at the former Gildan building in Granite Industrial Park, approximately 45 miles northeast of Charlotte, this will be Jabil’s fourth plant in North Carolina. It joins existing operations in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Mebane. Construction is slated to begin later this year, with initial operations expected to launch by mid-2026.
The announcement represents a significant economic win for the region. The newly created roles are expected to offer an average wage of approximately $62,000, translating to a total annual payroll impact of around $73.2 million for the local economy. Over the next 12 years, the investment is projected to contribute roughly $3.2 billion to North Carolina’s economy, according to state estimates.
The new facility will breathe new life into a long-vacant industrial site, signaling a broader trend of revitalizing existing infrastructure to meet the demands of the modern manufacturing sector. The reuse of the 400,000-square-foot building is expected to attract a range of ancillary businesses, including suppliers, logistics providers, and technology firms.
In support of the project, the state has approved a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) that could reimburse Jabil up to $11.3 million over a 12-year period, contingent on performance benchmarks. Altogether, the combined state and local incentive package exceeds $21 million, including a $1.25 million deposit into the state’s Utility Account, which supports rural infrastructure development.
Officials say the state will likely receive a 115 percent return on its investment, with every dollar of incentives potentially generating $2.15 in tax revenue. This forecasted return has been a key point of emphasis for policymakers supporting the deal.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein praised the announcement, highlighting the state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce. “Companies already operating in North Carolina know the value of doing business in our state,” Stein said. “We welcome Jabil’s expansion and the investments they’re making in our people and communities.”
Jabil’s Executive Vice President Matt Crowley noted that demand for AI data centers is surging across the United States. “We are excited to help meet that demand, empower the AI solutions of the future, and deepen our roots in North Carolina,” Crowley said during the announcement.
Local leaders have also expressed strong support for the project. Rowan County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds called the investment transformative, noting its potential for long-term economic benefits. Rowan EDC President Rod Crider emphasized that repurposing the Gildan site reflects the county’s strategic push to modernize its industrial assets.
Jabil’s choice of Rowan County was influenced by several factors, including its central location on the East Coast, well-established infrastructure, and access to a trained workforce. The proximity to Charlotte and major highways gives the company a logistical edge in reaching other key markets.
The company also worked closely with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to ensure alignment between workforce development programs and the technical needs of the new facility. This collaboration underscores a growing focus on public-private partnerships aimed at meeting the evolving demands of high-tech industries.
While Florida had also been in the running for the investment, North Carolina’s comprehensive incentive package and ready infrastructure helped secure the deal. Industry analysts say this move reinforces the state’s growing reputation as a hub for AI and data center manufacturing.
As demand for AI infrastructure continues to rise, particularly in data center cooling and advanced networking systems, Jabil’s new facility positions North Carolina to play a critical role in meeting national needs. The expansion is part of a broader effort to reshore advanced manufacturing capabilities and ensure supply chain resilience amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The development is set to roll out in multiple phases through 2030, with each stage expanding both capacity and workforce. Regional leaders are optimistic that the facility will serve as a catalyst for additional growth, including new housing, commercial services, and industrial partnerships throughout the I‑85 corridor.
This $500 million investment not only brings nearly 1,200 new jobs to the region but also reflects Jabil’s commitment to strengthening U.S. capabilities in one of the most transformative sectors of the global economy.
