Franklin County North Carolina Economic Development

Advanced & Innovative Manufacturing:

Innovation is being driven in Franklin County, NC. K-Flex, an Italian insulation manufacturer, and Palziv, an Israeli polyethylene foam producer, have established their North American headquarters here. The Research Triangle region is home to 196 advanced manufacturing companies employing more than 13,000 people, and the industry contributes nearly
$2.2 billion to Gross Regional Product.

Aerospace & Aviation:

Nearby military installations – including Fort Bragg, one of the largest U.S. Army bases in the world – provide access to a huge pool of military decision-makers and customers that fuel the growth of defense contractors and technology companies. Much of Franklin County’s 200-acre Triangle North Franklin Business Park is dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industries.

Agriculture and AgTech:

Franklin County, NC has a long-established history in agriculture and still remains an important sector in our economy. Our farmers are strongly community-oriented, relying largely on direct-to-market sales. Throughout Franklin County consumers support local agriculture business through farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture and Ag Tourism locations and events.

Bio-Tech, Bio- Industrial & Life Sciences:

Franklin County’s pro-business environment has attracted leading global biotechnology companies, such as Novonesis, a Danish bio-industrial enzyme manufacturer, as well as Terra Safe Materials, a manufacturer of single use packaging solutions designed for food, beverage, and household products without the microplastics, contaminants, or waste.

Ranked as the fifth largest life sciences hub in the U.S., the Research Triangle region boasts the world’s largest concentration of contract research organizations (CROs). With more than 600 companies operating in the region and a workforce of 42,000+, the life sciences sector is experiencing rapid growth. More than 100 agricultural tech companies employ more than 7,000 workers in an industry that thrives, supported by cutting-edge research from three top-tier universities, a strong advanced manufacturing sector, and a highly skilled talent pool.

IT, High Technology & Clean Technology:

Well established companies like PRTI which created a  patented a technology called Thermal Demanufacturing, taking rubber tires and converting them into resources like oil, carbon, steel and energy, and using the energy extracted from the tires to power a Blockchain computing plant are successful in Franklin County, NC. Newly relocated PlanITROI, which upcycles digital equipment, selected Franklin County, NC because of is business cost competitiveness and strategic location.

The Research Triangle region's fastest-growing technology subsectors include advanced fields such as data analytics, nanotechnology, the Internet of Things (IoT), photonics, and wearable technology. More than 4,000 tech companies employ 60,000+ workers in the region.

The Research Triangle Region also hosts one of the world’s top cleantech clusters, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and renewable innovation. Nearly 1,900 clean technology companies operate here, employing 27,000 professionals with an average annual salary of $113,000. These businesses are at the forefront of developing new technologies that promote sustainable growth and a cleaner environment. The region's focus lies in smart grid systems, advanced metering, and expanding renewable energy solutions.

Logistics, Distribution & Warehousing:

The Research Triangle region is a strategic hub for logistics, distribution, and warehousing, offering excellent connectivity via major interstates, proximity to key ports, and a robust rail network. With the Raleigh-Durham International Airport providing cargo services, companies benefit from seamless domestic and international shipping options, and is only 35 miles away, Franklin County, NC is the ideal strategic location.

Retail, Hospitality & Services:

With Franklin County being the fastest growing county in the Research Triangle Region, on an annual percentage growth basis, consumer demand is high for more retail shopping, restaurants, and consumer services of all types and sizes. The increasing County population growth and over 3.1 million people within one hour's drive, offers companies a tremendous opportunity for fast and sustained success.

Corporate Headquarters:

Franklin County is home to prominent global corporate headquarters such as:

• Novonesis, biotech powerhouse with North American headquarters in Franklinton;
• Palziv, polyethylene foam producer in Louisburg;
• K-Flex, Italian insulation manufacturer in Youngsville;
• PRTI;
• Fluid Watercraft;
• PlanITROI

The Triangle North Executive Airport in Franklin County offers convenient regional access, making it an attractive amenity for executives at corporate headquarters, enhancing connectivity for business operations and travel.