Catawba County

Catawba County, the central county of North Carolina’s fourth largest MSA, has successfully diversified and balanced its traditional manufacturing base of furniture, textile, and telecommunications. However, the layoffs of the last three years have been a challenge to traditional industries that have in the past benefited from Catawba County's economy being based on manufacturing. Comprehensive efforts are being directed at identifying and recruiting new sectors in manufacturing such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, technology and building products, and identifying and recruiting non-manufacturing sectors such as retirement and retail development. The once tight labor force has transitioned into a pool of skilled workers loyal to the area and its industries. Catawba County has been recognized as being one of the top ten areas in America to raise a family.