AVL creates jobs in Charlotte

AVL Manufacturing, a Canadian leader in power generation enclosures, is making a major investment in Charlotte with a $56 million facility that will create 325 jobs. AVL specializes in custom enclosures for large-format standby power generators, serving industries such as data centers, construction, and emergency management.

The new 232,000-square-foot plant will enhance AVL’s ability to meet growing U.S. demand while also strengthening export opportunities across North America. The company’s president, Vince Dicristofaro, said: “We didn’t just choose a location; we chose a community. Charlotte’s spirit of collaboration and its talented workforce made it the clear choice for our American-based home. We are excited to tap into this talent pool as we establish our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and create meaningful careers for the residents of this city and deliver unparalleled products to our customers.”

This expansion underscores the deep trade and investment ties between Canada and North Carolina. Products manufactured in North Carolina will not only serve domestic customers but also flow into Canadian markets, reinforcing the reliable supply chains that drive growth in both countries.

Growing renewable energy capacity with Opsun

Opsun Corporation, a Canadian manufacturer of bifacial solar racking systems headquartered in Quebec City, is expanding into the U.S. with a new $17 million facility in High Point. The new facility, covering about 54,000 square feet, is expected to create 32 new jobs and serve as a nationwide manufacture center for the company’s commercial flat roof solar products.

By locating in North Carolina, Opsun strengthens its ability to meet growing demand for clean energy solutions while enhancing export opportunities across the Southeast. “We’re thrilled to open our first US-based factory in such a booming economic and strategic center” said François Gilles-Gagnon, President of Opsun Corporation.

“This new facility will be a key to Opsun’s growth in the USA, and together with our North Carolina workforce and local suppliers, we will help drive the growth of solar installations across the state and throughout the United States. Opsun always sourced all components in North America and this new U.S. facility reinforces our commitment for domestically made, high performance solar mounting systems.”

Opsun’s expansion demonstrates how Canadian innovation is fueling growth in North Carolina. Products manufactured in High Point will serve customers across the U.S. and Canada, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing sustainable energy infrastructure.

North Carolina exports $8.6 billion in goods to Canada annually
North Carolina exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 5%
• Apparel & textiles: 3%
• Chemicals: 28%
• Equipment & machinery: 31%
• Forest products: 4%
• Minerals & metals: 11%
• Plastics & rubbers: 5%
• Transportation: 9%
• Other: 4%

Top North Carolina goods exports to Canada

• Pharmaceutical products: $1.8 billion
• Copper & copper articles: $457 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $348 million
• Engines & turbines: $252 million
• Trucks: $208 million
• Compressors & pumps: $186 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $173 million
• Paper & paperboard: $164 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $160 million
• Perfumes, essential oils & toiletries: $150 million

North Carolina exports $2.5 billion in services to Canada annually
Top North Carolina services exports to Canada

• Business services: $697 million
• Travel (including for education): $671 million
• Financial services: $592 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $375 million
• Transport: $67 million

North Carolina imports $4.6 billion in goods from Canada annually
North Carolina imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 17%
• Chemicals: 9%
• Equipment & machinery: 20%
• Forest products: 11%
• Minerals & metals: 13%
• Plastics & rubbers: 12%
• Transportation: 6%
• Other: 12%

Top North Carolina goods imports from Canada

• Plastics & plastic articles: $496 million
• Pearls, gems, precious metals & jewelry: $207 million
• Softwood lumber: $185 million
• Paper & paperboard: $183 million
• Pharmaceutical products: $162 million
• Tobacco products: $154 million
• Salt, sulfur, earth & stone, lime & cement: $154 million
• Animal meats: $141 million
• Furniture & bedding: $140 million
• Pasta, breads & cereal preparations: $127 million