News and Blogs
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DoW Suspends CMMC Phase 2 Requirements
On July 13, 2026, the Department of War (DoW) announced a 60-day suspension of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) phase 2 requirements, effective immediately. This directly impacts all businesses that are part of the Defense Industrial Base...
Building Talent, Driving Results: How Charter Furniture Turned Internships into Impact
For more than a century, Charter Furniture has been a cornerstone of North Carolina’s manufacturing industry, producing custom upholstered seating for leading hospitality brands worldwide. But like many manufacturers, the company continues to evolve—navigating...
Seegars Fence Company Awarded the 2026 Community Outreach Leadership Award
seegarsfence.com Community Outreach Award The Community Outreach Award is presented to the manufacturer that has impacted communities in North Carolina. Selection is based on efforts in community engagement and the measurable impact of those efforts. Seegars...
Queen City Engineering & Design Awarded the 2026 Continuous Improvement Award
queencityeng.com Continuous Improvement Award The Continuous Improvement Award is presented to the organization that exemplifies the use of systems of continuous improvement methodology that drive organizational behaviors aligned to a visual, detailed action plan and...
Clayton Richfield Awarded the 2026 Innovation in Manufacturing Leadership Award
claytonhomes.com Innovation Award The selection of the Innovation Award winner will be based on how the company uses innovation to improve their business. We seek evidence that the manufacturer achieved results in specific areas of innovation, such as the...
The Application Period for the 2026 NCAFE Awards is Open
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Loree Blue Director of Marketing and Communications NC State University Industry Extension Services The North Carolina Manufacturing Partnership [email protected] | 336.416.6595 The Application Period for the 2026 NCAFE Awards is open...
Poppies Bakeries Awarded the 2026 Workforce Development Leadership Award
poppiesbakeries.com/en Advanced Talent Management/Workforce Development Award The Advanced Talent Management/Workforce Development Award will be presented to the manufacturer that has demonstrated excellence in workforce development through employee retention,...
Kempower Awarded the 2026 Sustainability Leadership Award
kempower.com Sustainable Manufacturing Award The Sustainable Manufacturing Award criteria is based on outstanding sustainable practices, measurable environmental or energy savings related to production processes, product design or product life cycle. As the...
Huvepharma – Laurinburg Awarded the 2026 Developing Markets Leadership Award
huvepharma.com Developing Markets/Economic Development Award The Developing Markets/Economic Development award is decided by the economic impact of the manufacturer on its community, such as the overall economic impact, an increase in the overall tax base, the...
Manufactured in North Carolina Network (MNC Network)
The Manufactured in North Carolina Network is a manufacturing industry networking and educational initiative administered by NC State University Industry Extension Services. Launching in July 2026, the network will be a members-only opportunity to attend informative...