New manufacturing hub aims to boost research, workforce development in western North Carolina

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (WWAY) — A coalition of federal, state, higher education and industry partners has launched the Western North Carolina Futures Factory, a new initiative aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing, workforce training and research commercialization across the state.

The 70,000-square-foot facility, supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is intended to serve as a hub where university researchers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and workforce organizations can collaborate to develop and commercialize new technologies.

NCInnovation, a nonprofit organization that supports commercialization of research from North Carolina’s public universities, announced it is joining the partnership.

According to the organization, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College will lead the initiative by managing the facility, providing workforce training and coordinating with university and industry partners.

Several North Carolina universities are participating in the project, including North Carolina A&T State University, UNC Asheville, Appalachian State University, NC State University, UNC Charlotte and Western Carolina University.

The partners said the Futures Factory is intended to help move research discoveries from university laboratories into commercial manufacturing while supporting workforce development and regional economic growth.

Michelle Bolas, president and CEO of NCInnovation, said the organization’s role will focus on connecting university research with industry opportunities to help advance new technologies into the marketplace.

Officials said the initiative is also part of broader efforts to strengthen western North Carolina’s economy through collaboration among universities, manufacturers, community colleges and economic development organizations.