Centrally Located and Easily Accessed
The Southern base of the Research Triangle Region offers access to world-class expertise, an exceptional transportation network, and a vital and diversified industrial base that makes everyone more successful – all with a high quality of life.
Major Employers
Company Spotlight
Caterpillar
Caterpillar has called Lee County home since 1998 and employs over 1,500 people. The Sanford facility is the only location in the world to produce select models of skid-steer loaders and has produced more than 275,000 machines since opening.
Caterpillar partnered with the Central Community College to establish the Caterpillar Clayton Apprenticeship Program, designed to continue developing a talent pipeline of skilled employees. This highly competitive program provides high school students the opportunity to take classes while also working as a part-time Caterpillar employee, developing skills for a career immediately after graduation.
“We are proud of the products we design, test and manufacture in the Research Triangle Region,” said Tony Fassino, Caterpillar Building Construction Products Division Vice President. “The area’s talented and dedicated workforce is an incredible asset to a company like Caterpillar.”
Tony Fassino, Caterpillar Building Construction Products Division Vice President.
Did You Know?
The world supply of OPI nail polish is created in Lee County? Coty, a global leader in beauty products, runs its manufacturing operation in Lee County and employs over 1,100 people.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
Being located near world-renowned universities such as The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and N.C. State University helps businesses attract top talent. The richly skilled workforce is due in part to broad opportunities for industrial training and education offered by Central Carolina Community College, one of the state’s largest and best two-year colleges.
- Home to Raleigh Executive Jetport, a growing facility boasting a 6,500-foot expandable runway
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 30-minute drive away
Several major highways intersect Sanford, providing companies with access to all major markets in NC and throughout the eastern United States
Japanese pharmaceutical company to open in Sanford, create over 100 new jobs, NC officials say
PlantSwitch makes the move to Sanford, bringing jobs and compostable plastics
From Afghanistan to Sanford, a former State Department exec finds his passion in biotech
Connect Directly with Lee County
Interested in learning more about Lee County? Click to connect with their economic development team.