Moore, Lee, and Harnett Drive Growth as North Carolina Named CNBC’s Top State for Business in 2025

North Carolina was named the top state for business in 2025 by CNBC financial news, marking the third time in four years the state has earned the title. The recognition followed a strong run of job growth, business investment, and infrastructure improvements, benefits clearly seen in Moore, Lee, and Harnett counties.

Between 2024 and mid-2025, Moore, Lee, and Harnett counties saw significant business investment and development activity, contributing to North Carolina’s recognition as the top state for business by CNBC.

 The North Carolina Department of Commerce reported that in Moore County, Reliance Packaging announced a $7.4 million expansion of its Aberdeen facility in August 2024, bringing 32 new jobs to the area. Moore Economic Development Partnership said approved rezoning for the proposed $100 million Uwharrie Motorsports Park & Resort near Robbins, ws expected to spur additional growth. And according to The Business Journal, commercial development along the Morganton Road corridor added more than $4 million in new real estate investment in early 2024.

Lee County secured one of the state’s largest business commitments according to North Carolina Department of Commerce when Kyowa Kirin, a global pharmaceutical company, announced a $200 million investment to establish its first North American biologics manufacturing center in Sanford. The facility was projected to create over 100 new jobs and positioned Lee County as a key player in the life sciences industry.

Harnett County Economic Development reported the county experienced over 528,000 square feet of commercial and industrial development in 2024. Projects included a 162,000-square-foot speculative building at the Harnett 95 Industrial Center in Dunn, a 336,000-square-foot expansion by Rooms To Go, a new 30,000-square-foot operations facility for Revels Turf & Tractor, and a 66,000-square-foot cancer center at Cape Fear Valley Health in Lillington. In June 2024, the county received $547,885 in grant funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation to support site development at Edgerton Industrial Park. Additionally, the Harnett County Industrial Land Program received $148,500 in public and private funding to help prepare land for future business use.

These investments showed strong economic growth in the Sandhills and nearby Triangle region. Moore County focused on manufacturing and tourism, Lee County grew in biotechnology, and Harnett County expanded its industrial sites. All three counties prepared for future growth by working with public and private partners and launching major development projects.

Read more on the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

July 16, 2025

Stephanie M. Sellers