Welcome to Clocking In—Voices of NC Manufacturing, your host Phil Mintz, Executive Director of NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES). We will be interviewing some of the manufacturers who have made North Carolina manufacturing the powerhouse it is today.
Episodes
Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
9 min
Gilden in Sanford, North Carolina, Changes Corporate Culture.
North Carolina is the home to some of the world’s largest apparel manufacturers. In this episode of Clocking In, we are fortunate to learn more about Gilden, a leader in textiles for over 40 years, with 30 locations and more than 45,000 employees in over 12 countries.
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May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
15 min
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s New Focus on Manufacturing
In this episode of Clocking In, NCMEP Director Phil Mintz speaks with U.S. Small Business Administration leaders Lisa Shimkat, Mike Arriola, and Dan Piche about the new Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen small manufacturers through reduced regulations, tailored loan programs, and workforce development.
Mar 13, 2025
Mar 13, 2025
31 min
AI will be a Game Changer for an Optimistic Economic Outlook for North Carolina
New technologies such as artificial intelligence will no doubt transform the state’s traditional powerhouses of textiles, tobacco, and technology.
Feb 5, 2025
Feb 5, 2025
8 min
CTI Systems Realizes the Value in Retaining Their Workforce.
CTI Systems has been locally owned and producing high-quality equipment for the electronics assembly industry for over 35 years. CTI Systems offers a wide range of products, from the most complex laser markers to depaneling routers and simple conveyors. Located in the Lee County Industrial Park, CTI Systems is a four-fold operation in the manufacturing, sales, installation, and service of automated conveyor systems. CTI equipment, used in the manufacture of a printed circuit board, is utilized in a variety of applications and industries, from the automotive and medical fields to defense and aerospace.
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Nov 21, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
25 min
One woman turned a family recipe into an award-winning snack company, combining innovative branding, sustainable growth, and community support to deliver high-quality cheesy snacks and create new business opportunities.
In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz, the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership director talks with Becca Jordan Wright, the CEO and founder of Piedmont Pennies, a gourmet cheesy snack manufacturer in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Oct 21, 2024
Oct 21, 2024
31 min
Husband and wife duo of Queen City Engineering and Design launch an in-house manufacturing company to control the development process resulting in greater flexibility, quality, shorter project lead times, and new business opportunities.
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Sep 11, 2024
Sep 11, 2024
13 min
Kings Mountain, North Carolina fabric manufacturer STI Fabrics holds up against the test of time.
In today’s industrial landscape, the demand for specialized fabrics tailored to unique applications has never been greater. From heavy-duty manufacturing to advanced technological fields, specialized fabrics ensure efficiency, safety, and innovation across various industries. These fabrics are engineered with precision to meet specific performance requirements, whether withstanding extreme temperatures, providing electrical conductivity, or offering chemical resistance. Let’s explore the fascinating world of specialized fabrics and how they revolutionize various industrial sectors.
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
21 min
West Jefferson, NC-based Carolina Timberworks received the 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award.
Mass timber is a type of engineered wood product that is gaining popularity in the construction industry due to its sustainability, strength, and versatility. Unlike traditional lumber, which is typically cut from large trees, mass timber is made by laminating smaller wood pieces together to create large panels or beams. These panels can then be used as structural elements in buildings, offering a renewable alternative to concrete and steel.
Jul 16, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
11 min
Winston-Salem-based ZIEHL-ABEGG received the 2024 NCMEP Developing Markets Leadership Award.
Developing markets represent organizations experiencing rapid growth and industrialization. These markets are characterized by increasing economic activity, expanding consumer bases and significant investment opportunities. Companies and investors are drawn to developing markets due to their potential for high returns, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and evolving infrastructure.
Jun 27, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
9 min
Lenior, NC-based Teijin Automotive Technologies received the 2024 NCMEP Manufacturing Excellence Award.
Continuous improvement in manufacturing is a strategic approach focused on systematically enhancing production processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency. Rooted in principles like Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing, this methodology involves the relentless pursuit of incremental changes to improve quality and performance. By fostering a culture of ongoing refinement and employee involvement, manufacturers can adapt to evolving market demands, boost productivity, and maintain a competitive edge. Continuous improvement not only drives operational excellence but also cultivates innovation and resilience within the manufacturing sector.