Gov. McCrory visits Leland manufacturing business, talks jobs

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Governor Pat McCrory spent the day in Brunswick County talking about big industries, transportation and film.

McCrory toured a manufacturing company and spoke at Brunswick Community College’s Leland location to push new industries for the area. McCrory says if he is going to convince big industries to come to this area, they are going to have to close the skills gap.

McCrory started the industrial conversation by touring Manufacturing Methods in Leland. The company started in 2007 with two people. Now they have 26 employees and need more. Owner Pete Peterson says they are having trouble finding people with those skills. McCrory says closing the skills gap in the state is key to solving that problem.

“If someone can already prove that they can do it, let’s get them the certification or the diploma,” McCrory said. “If they can test out of a course, let’s not just make them sit through a class that they already have the skills, just so we can check a mark off.”

McCrory says they need that education incentive to bring more industrial manufacturers here. Another big incentive — transportation.

“Because when we recruit new manufacturing or any big business here, they are making an investment for the next 25, 50, 100 years,” McCrory said. “So we’ve got to show them our infrastructure plan and show them we’re going to keep up with them.”

Another incentive other leaders are pushing for in the House of Representatives– film. McCrory did not have much to say about that.

“At this point in time I’m not going to comment on the proposals that I’ll make because I’m still going through that budget process,” McCrory said. “I spent literally three hours this morning. I’ve got some very difficult decisions to make regarding funding.”

The governor also says he is working to speed up his 25-year transportation plan. Manufacturing Methods is teaming up with the college on programs and internships for their industry.