Governor Stein Celebrates Opening of The Whiskey Project Group’s North American Manufacturing Facility in Edenton

Today Governor Josh Stein and State Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley joined leaders of The Whiskey Project Group and local officials to celebrate the opening of the company’s new North American manufacturing facility in Edenton, expanding North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the state’s role in the defense industry.

“North Carolina has the skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and maritime heritage that companies like The Whiskey Project Group need to succeed,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This investment will bring good-paying jobs to northeastern North Carolina, strengthen our national security, and create new opportunities for the people of Chowan and neighboring counties.”

The Whiskey Project Group, an Australian maritime technology and advanced manufacturing company, designs, builds, and sustains advanced watercraft for defense, government, commercial, and recreational customers. The company’s new 60,000-square-foot facility on a 50-acre waterfront site will serve as its primary North American production and sustainment hub, manufacturing vessels for customers across the Americas and Europe. The facility will support the company’s Whiskey, NAiAD, and VYCOR watercraft brands, which include tactical multi-mission vessels, high-performance rigid-hulled inflatable boats, and utility craft.

The facility is expected to create 30 new jobs with more to come, including opportunities in advanced manufacturing, engineering, technical services, vessel repair, and maintenance. By expanding domestic production and sustainment capabilities, the project will also help strengthen maritime supply chains and support the needs of U.S. defense and government customers.

“The Whiskey Project Group’s establishment of its North American manufacturing hub in Edenton builds on our state’s proud maritime and military tradition while creating new pathways to skilled careers and long-term economic growth in northeastern North Carolina” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “These are great jobs supporting the rural economy and our national security.”

More than 30 Australian companies operate in North Carolina. Since 2015, eight Australian companies have selected North Carolina to establish or expand operations, creating more than 600 new jobs and generating more than $245 million in capital investment. In addition to direct investment, trade also strengthens North Carolina’s relationship with Australia. North Carolina’s international trade has nearly doubled since 2019, and Australia is one of the state’s leading international trade partners. 

North Carolina has consistently been ranked a Top 2 State for Business for the past six years. This year, North Carolina was ranked by CNBC the #1 state for the economy, the #2 state for business, and the #3 state for workforce. Since taking office last year, Governor Stein has announced nearly 47,000 good-paying jobs and nearly $33 billion in new investment from business projects across the state.

The project advances the goals of the state’s First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan, which focuses on modernizing infrastructure, strengthening innovation ecosystems, enhancing community well-being, and building a future-ready workforce. Investments in advanced manufacturing help strengthen North Carolina’s industrial capabilities while connecting workers and communities with opportunities in growing industries.

The Whiskey Project Group’s expansion also builds on the company’s growing presence in the United States. Since entering the U.S. market, the company has secured defense and government contracts for advanced watercraft, including a multi-mission reconnaissance craft contract and selection for a U.S. Navy program for composite rigid-hulled inflatable boats. Establishing manufacturing and sustainment operations in Edenton will bring these capabilities closer to U.S. customers while supporting the development of local talent and supply chains.

The opening adds to recent economic development activity in Chowan County and builds on Governor Stein’s May visit to Edenton, where he highlighted state and local partnerships supporting downtown revitalization, business development, and rural economic opportunity.

In February 2025, Governor Stein announced that Provalus, an information technology outsourcing firm, would establish a Center of Excellence in Edenton, creating 61 jobs with an investment of $6.48 million. The project reflects continued investment in the county’s workforce and growing technology capabilities.

The Town of Edenton also received an $850,000 Rural Downtown Economic Development grant announced in February 2026. The grant will support lighting improvements in historic downtown Edenton, replacing outdated lighting and addressing gaps in existing coverage. The project is expected to leverage an additional $458,331 in investment, supporting the town’s historic character and continued community revitalization.

Together, these projects demonstrate continued investment in Chowan County, strengthening the local workforce, supporting business growth, and helping communities across northeastern North Carolina expand economic opportunity.

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