State leaders celebrate manufacturers

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s “Manufacturing Week” across the Tar Heel State, and Commerce Secretary John Skvarla came to the Port City to tour one example.

Skvarla said IKA Works in Wilmington, a laboratory equipment manufacturer, is just one of many that provides almost 450,000 jobs in the state. Recently, Gov. Pat McCrory’s bond proposal aimed for more than $1 billion in transportation improvements, among other projects in the state, was changed by the General Assembly to focus more on capital projects for colleges and community colleges. State lawmakers and a governor’s office spokesman said the new budget does have money allotted for transportation, which Skvarla said is a start.

“The answer is we are getting some, maybe not as much as the governor wanted, but it’s not zero, so we will be able to make progress and invest in the areas we need to invest,” Skvarla said.

Skvarla added the state will remain competitive in all areas to keep bringing economic development here. Both Skvarla and McCrory will be touring manufacturers this week to celebrate “Manufacturing Week.”