News Articles
EAS, LLC announces Expansion
November 25, 2025
Environmental Air Systems, LLC Announces Major Expansion in Asheboro NC
Asheboro NC - Environmental Air Systems, LLC (EAS), headquartered in High Point NC has selected Asheboro as a site for a major expansion of its structural assembly operations. This expansion supports the Specialized Volumetric Modular Industry, which serves key markets including pharmaceutical, data, and semiconductor sectors.
Environmental Air Systems (EAS) delivers comprehensive infrastructure solutions by integrating mechanical, electrical and building automation system design. By combining design-assist services, off-site manufacturing, and on-site construction, EAS ensures seamless project execution from concept through completion.
Driven by continued growth and increasing customer demand, EAS identified Asheboro as the ideal location due to its workforce availability, financial viability, and strategic speed-to-market advantages. The company will lease the former Klaussner Furniture facilities at 4402 US Hwy 200 S in Asheboro, now owned by Schwarz Properties, and plans to invest at least $20 million in building renovations, and machinery and equipment.
This expansion of their operations will create 300 new jobs paying average annual wages of $55,133.
Site selection and incentive negotiations were facilitated by Strategic Development Group (SDG) with the assistance of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC). EAS qualified for a comprehensive incentive package including:
· $3.289 million from a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG)
· $500,000 from a Building Reuse Grant (Application Approval Pending)
· $506,000 in local incentives over five years, split between:
o $209,000 from Randolph County
o $297,000 from the City of Asheboro
Local incentives also cover the required 5% match for the Building Reuse Grant.
“Our EAS Leadership team is proud and honored to join the Asheboro community and support its families. We are looking forward to bringing industry back to a fantastic community that has lost several key industry partners over the past few years. Together, EAS and the Asheboro community will build a strong future,” stated Allen Absher, President – EAS Manufacturing.
“This project is another great example of the City of Asheboro working with our partners and the private sector to support job creation and encourage significant investment in Randolph County. It is important to keep in mind that this project was not guaranteed to happen here; there were other jurisdictions that wanted to be making this announcement but due to our relationships, we were able to bring it and the benefits to our community”, stated Mayor David Smith. “I am especially excited that the project revitalizes and modernizes an existing industrial property, making use of infrastructure that is already built and available. By doing so, we are balancing growth in a responsible and efficient manner that doesn’t lead to unplanned sprawl.”
“On behalf of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to welcome Environmental Air Systems to our community,” said Darrell Frye, Chair of the board. “EAS is a well-established company with a proven track record of success in our region. Their significant financial investment and the creation of 300 high-quality jobs will strengthen our local economy and provide valuable opportunities for our residents. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Environmental Air Systems to Randolph County. Their investment and job creation will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community,” said Crystal Gettys, Business Recruitment Director at RCEDC. “It’s been a privilege to support this project from the beginning and see it come to fruition. I’m also grateful for the strong support from our local government partners, whose collaboration is vital to advancing economic development in our community.”
Alongside the strong support from the City of Asheboro and Randolph County, this project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Divisions of Workforce Solutions and Rural Economic Development as well as the North Carolina Community College System, and Randolph Community College.
The Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) is proud to support this expansion. As a non-profit organization, RCEDC works to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing industries ensuring diverse and high-quality job opportunities for county residents. RCEDC is a proud partner of the North Carolina Core.
Strategic development fuels Triad's rise as advanced manufacturing powerhouse, creating ripple effects
August 11, 2025
Manufacturing
Viewpoint: Strategic development fuels Triad's rise as advanced manufacturing powerhouse, creating ripple effects
By Kevin Franklin – Randolph County Economic Development
Aug 8, 2025
Souce: Triad Business Journal
North Carolina's Triad region is experiencing a remarkable economic transformation that's reshaping not just the local landscape but establishing a new model for strategic industrial development across the Southeast.
What's happening in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem isn't just another business success story; it's the emergence of a world-class transportation and manufacturing hub that's attracting billions in investment and creating a ripple effect of prosperity throughout the region.
Building on unmatched infrastructure
The Triad's rise as an economic powerhouse isn't accidental. The region boasts what many consider the second-best road network in the nation, providing seamless access to raw materials and finished goods markets. This infrastructure advantage is amplified by exceptional rail connectivity to major ports, making the Triad an ideal location for companies that depend on efficient supply chains and last-mile delivery capabilities.
The FedEx hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport serves as a testament to the region’s growth potential, and it's just beginning. The airport has become a magnet for aerospace manufacturing, with game-changing companies like JetZero, Boom Supersonic, and HondaJet establishing significant operations. Marshall Aerospace's presence further solidifies the region's aerospace credentials, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports everything from cutting-edge aircraft development to specialized manufacturing.
Manufacturing excellence across industries
The Triad's manufacturing renaissance extends far beyond aerospace. Siemens has started producing train cars in Lexington, while Toyota's battery manufacturing facility in Liberty is already shipping products that power the electric vehicle revolution. Thomas Built Buses continues its legacy in High Point, and the Mack Truck Volvo Group maintains its strong presence in Greensboro. Meanwhile, Wolfspeed's operations in Siler City represent the region's commitment to next-generation semiconductor technology.
This diverse industrial base creates what economists call agglomeration effects — when success breeds success. Each company's presence makes the region more attractive to others, building a strategic ecosystem that benefits from shared suppliers, skilled workers and specialized services. The result is reminiscent of Research Triangle Park's transformative impact on North Carolina, but with a distinct focus on advanced manufacturing and transportation.
Workforce development rising to the challenge
The influx of high-tech manufacturing companies has created sustained demand for skilled workers. Manufacturing batteries, aircraft, and vehicles require excellence at every level, and the Triad's educational institutions are rising to meet this challenge. Community colleges and universities throughout the region are innovating their programs, creating specialized training that directly supports these emerging industries.
This workforce development represents more than just job training — it's an investment in human capital that pays dividends across generations. When workers acquire advanced manufacturing skills, they command higher wages, which in turn strengthens the entire community. The rising tide of better-paying jobs lifts economic prospects for families throughout the region.
Billions in investment, lasting impact
The financial scale of this transformation is staggering. The collective investment from these major companies runs into billions of dollars, representing a vote of confidence in the Triad's long-term potential. But the impact extends beyond the initial capital investment. Better wages create stronger communities, improved amenities and enhanced quality of life that makes the region attractive to both businesses and families.
These fruits of economic development create a virtuous cycle. As companies succeed and communities prosper, the region becomes more attractive to additional investment. Infrastructure improvements, educational enhancements and quality-of-life upgrades all contribute to what some are calling "Triad Envy" — the recognition that something special is happening in the center of North Carolina.
A model for the future
The Triad's transformation offers valuable lessons for other regions seeking sustainable economic growth. Success requires more than just attracting individual companies — it demands building comprehensive ecosystems that support entire industries. The combination of strategic infrastructure, educational innovation and coordinated economic development creates conditions where businesses can thrive and communities can prosper.
As North Carolina continues to be one of the nation's fastest-growing states, the Triad's experience demonstrates that strategic economic development can create renewed prosperity. The region's success in attracting top-tier manufacturers and derivative companies proves that with the right combination of infrastructure, workforce development, and strategic vision, any region can build a foundation for sustained growth.
The Triad's economic renaissance is more than a regional success story — it's a blueprint for how communities can adapt and thrive in the modern economy. As these investments continue to mature and attract additional companies, the region is positioning itself as a national leader in transportation and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that North Carolina remains at the forefront of American economic growth.
Kevin P. Franklin is president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corp. based in Asheboro. He can be reached on LinkedIn.
County's economic development corporation celebrates 40 years, $16.5 billion in investments, 20,000 jobs
June 25, 2025
County's economic development corporation celebrates 40 years, $16.5 billion in investments, 20,000 jobs
Jun 24, 2025 by Larry Penkava
ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Economic Development Corporation celebrated 40 years during its annual meeting on June 17. It was an occasion to look back but also to build for the future.
EDC President Kevin Franklin called the progression of the county’s industry during the past 40 years as “textiles to Toyota.”
Although the legacy industries of textiles and furniture have diminished, the local economy has become more diversified, as exemplified by Toyota Battery of NC and the Ross Stores distribution center, both under development.
“The EDC started in 1985 as an offshoot of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce,” Franklin said. “The first project was Ultracraft in Liberty.”
Over the 40 years, he said, Randolph County has seen $16.5 billion in announced investment and 20,882 jobs. During the past year, investments totaled just under $10 million with the addition of 63 jobs with an average annual wage of $63,000.
“It is our people and industries that are the backbone of our economic success across Randolph County, and their impact is felt across our state, and around the world,” Franklin said.
“In our county, we do more than promote economic development — we build thriving communities through our commitment to the people who power our businesses forward. Then we recruit and seek to retain a growing industrial base that will lift the entire region.”
Fred Smith, chair of the EDC Board of Directors, said, “I acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to our core legacy — our industrial, business and agricultural communities — and to the entrepreneurial spirit of those who have sustained our economy through successes, economic downturns and even a global pandemic. Whether no longer with us or flourishing today, we honor these companies and citizens with sincere appreciation and admiration.”
David Ramsey, secretary/treasurer of the EDC board, announced that the Timken Company had been voted the 2025 Outstanding Industry and Baxter Hammer was named the inaugural Industry Leader.
During a short business session, Shannon Morrow of Rheem Manufacturing and Jamie Halstead of Toyota Battery Manufacturing NC were elected to the board and Frank Edmondson of Schwarz Properties was reappointed to a second term.
A special presentation on regional water and wastewater capacity was given by David Parrish of New Page Capital and Damon Dequenne, High Point assistant city manager. The message was that, in order to meet future growth, local governments must collaborate on regional water and wastewater systems. Dequenne said that includes understanding river basins and managing those basins down to the ocean.
Parrish said, “There’s a growing demand for water and wastewater capacity” which requires planning for years to come. He said good progress is being made on a draft plan for the next 50-75 years. “We want to make sure every town and area gets a win. We have to start now coming up with a plan or miss the opportunity.”
Source: Randolph Hub
Gillespie Precast Expanding into Randolph County
April 17, 2025
Gillespie Precast Will Create 60 New Jobs in Randolph County
Gillespie Precast NC expands their operations to southwestern Randolph County NC serving the southeast market.
Randolph County NC – Gillespie Precast LLC is a 100-year-old, fifth-generation family owned and operated precast concrete manufacturer that serves utility and site contractors in the MD, DE, PA NJ and VA markets. Gillespie Precast has over 200 years of combined management experience and a solid reputation for producing high-quality products backed by excellent customer service. Current product line and precast concrete solutions include box culvert, dry utility (power, electric and communication) structures, pump station structures, pre-piped meter vaults, sanitary and storm sewer drainage items, complete trench drain packages, and many types of custom precast.
“We are excited at the prospect of having Gillespie Precast NC, LLC join our Randolph Business Community. Our EDC team continues to bring these quality businesses to Randolph County,” said, Darrell Frye, Chair, Randolph County Commissioners. “Their investment in both property and jobs will further secure future stability in the County and for our families.”
Gillespie’s plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Randolph County NC will allow the company to expand its current operations south to serve both existing and new clients. The target product line will consist of precast concrete box culvert, both wet and dry utility vaults, manholes, catch basins, box culverts and other custom structures.
“While we had several locations within North Carolina and Virginia targeted in our expansion plans, once we walked the property at High Pine Church Road it was abundantly clear to us that this was where we were going to plant our flag,” stated, Andrew Gillespie, President of Gillespie Precast. “The welcome we received from the county’s leadership, the support we have had from the representatives at the RCEDC, and the positive outreach by the adjoining property owners and neighbors in the area, really sealed the decision for us. We are excited to begin production and look forward to being a great partner for the people and Randolph County community for many years to come. Beyond that, I would encourage and even urge other businesses to take a hard look at Randolph County for expansions like ours. They are serious about making life better for their residents and are eager to help bring in the best, market ready companies available to them.”
Gillespie Precast plans to purchase 32.85 acres on High Pine Church Road, Asheboro NC, formerly owned by Hughes Furniture Industries. The company plans to demolition portions of the existing structures while renovating other sections while building a new facility on site. The company’s estimated new investment exceeds $9 million, creating sixty new jobs with average wages of $63,000, which is above the county average wage of $49,355.
“We are so pleased that Gillespie Precast has chosen Randolph County to set up their new facility, said Crystal Gettys, Business Recruitment Director for Randolph County EDC. “This is the perfect business for this property, and it will make the highest and best use out of it, all while adding good paying jobs to this section of the county. We welcome Gillespie Precast and look forward to seeing its success here.”
Gillespie Precast’ s investment and job creation qualifies them for both local and state incentives. Upon meeting their investment and job creation measures, Randolph County has approved a local incentive grant of $92,000 to be paid over a five-year period. In addition to local incentives, Gillespie Precast qualifies for $350,000 in state grants to include a One NC Grant and a Building Reuse Grant, both requiring the local government to be the applicant on behalf of the company and a local match that will be satisfied as part of the local incentive package.
The EDC is grateful for the support of all the partners who helped make this announcement possible to include Randolph County, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), and North Carolina Community College System.
About the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation: The Randolph County Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Our mission is to support a growing healthy economy so that local residents have diverse, quality job opportunities through the attraction of new businesses to the area and the retention and expansion of existing businesses and industries. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, RCEDC drives industrial development and strengthens the county’s position as a premier business destination in North Carolina. RCEDC is a proud community member of the NC Carolina Core.
Ride the Rise video campaign
February 4, 2025
A new campaign aims to spread the word about economic resurgence in Randolph County to people considering a move into the region, the Randolph County Economic Development Corp. said.
The Ride the Rise campaign is a workforce-attraction initiative inviting individuals from across North Carolina and beyond to discover the exceptional career opportunities and high quality of life that Randolph County has to offer, an RCEDC press release said.
In 2012, Asheboro and Randolph County faced significant challenges, even drawing national attention through a 60 Minutes segment titled “The Death and Life of Asheboro.”
Today, despite layoffs in the area’s traditional employment sectors — including prominently the closure of Klaussner Furniture Industries in August 2023 — the county has had a string of big economic wins, including Toyota’s battery manufacturing plant under construction in liberty, the Ross Store Inc. distribution center planned for the Randleman area and the Wolfspeed semiconductor plant near Siler City.
Last April Randolph Community College announced plans to spend $8.5 million on three new projects aimed at addressing expected workforce needs driven by what RCC President and CEO Shah Ardalan described as $30 billion of investment in industrial projects within a 30-minute drive.
Kevin Franklin, president of the RCEDC, said that Randolph County is proving that it is a place of opportunity and promise.
“We want to redefine the narrative and showcase all the good happening here in the heart of North Carolina,” he said. “Randolph County has seen incredible progress over the past decade, and now is the time to invite others to join us. Whether you’re starting a career, transitioning from military service, or looking for new opportunities after a job displacement, Randolph County is a place where you can build your future.”
The Ride the Rise campaign focuses on key demographic groups to reach the workforce of the future, including:
• Community college students across North Carolina pursuing technical skills aligned with local employer needs.
• Military personnel and their families transitioning from North Carolina bases and seeking strong career prospects.
• Workers affected by large layoffs and facility closures looking for stability and growth opportunities.
Ride The Rise will include targeted advertising on social media and Google ads to direct the audience to consider Randolph County, the RCEDC news release said. The campaign will feature video content, banner ads, and promoted stories highlighting Randolph County’s thriving economy and lifestyle benefits.
As part of this process the RCEDC has launched a new “Jobs of the Future” landing page with up-to-date job information.
For more information about Ride the Rise and to view campaign materials, visit rcedc.com.
Source: Courier-Tribune