Florida Loses Major Manufacturing Project as Jabil Chooses North Carolina Over Home State

St. Petersburg-based Jabil Inc., one of Tampa Bay’s few Fortune 500 companies, has selected North Carolina over Florida for its $500 million cloud computing and artificial intelligence data center manufacturing facility. The decision sends nearly 1,200 manufacturing and engineering jobs to Rowan County, North Carolina, about 45 miles northeast of Charlotte, rather than to an unnamed Florida location that competed for the project.

The announcement highlights ongoing competition among states for major manufacturing investments, particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI infrastructure and data center equipment. North Carolina officials confirmed they competed directly against Florida to secure the project, ultimately offering more than $21 million in combined state and local incentives.

Understanding the Manufacturing Site Selection Decision

Jabil’s capital investment will reach $264 million by the end of 2030, with the facility focusing on manufacturing data center hardware, including liquid cooling enclosures and server racks. These components support the rapidly growing AI and cloud computing infrastructure market. Matt Crowley, a Jabil executive vice president, noted that demand for AI data centers continues to accelerate nationwide.

The North Carolina facility will offer manufacturing and engineering positions with minimum average wages of around $62,000. Jabil could receive $11.3 million in cash over 12 years if it meets the agreed investment and job-creation thresholds under the state’s Job Development Investment Grant program.

According to documents from North Carolina’s Commerce Department, Florida offered competing incentives, including tax exemptions, capital investment support, and training assistance. However, North Carolina’s package and other site factors ultimately proved more attractive to Jabil’s expansion plans.

What Site Selection Decisions Reveal About Manufacturing Competitiveness

Manufacturing companies evaluate multiple factors when selecting facility locations. Workforce availability, infrastructure capacity, utility costs, logistics access, and state incentive packages all influence these decisions. For AI-related manufacturing, access to reliable power, cooling infrastructure, and technical talent becomes particularly important.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that manufacturing employment in North Carolina grew 1.8 percent year-over-year through June 2025, compared to 1.2 percent growth in Florida during the same period. Both states actively compete for advanced manufacturing projects, particularly in technology-intensive sectors.

North Carolina already hosts three Jabil facilities employing approximately 1,000 workers, giving the company established operations and workforce relationships in the state. This existing presence may have influenced the expansion decision, as manufacturers often find operational advantages in clustering facilities within regions where they already maintain capabilities.

Florida’s Manufacturing Growth Continues Despite Individual Project Losses

While losing a major headquarters expansion represents a setback, Florida’s manufacturing sector continues attracting significant investment. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta noted in its October 2025 regional economic report that Southeast manufacturing activity, including Florida, has remained resilient amid national economic uncertainty. The state’s population growth, favorable business climate, and logistics infrastructure continue drawing manufacturers across various industries.

For companies headquartered in Florida, the Jabil decision underscores the importance of maintaining competitive advantages in workforce development, infrastructure investment, and incentive programs. States compete aggressively for major projects, and manufacturers evaluate all available options regardless of where they maintain headquarters.

Jabil moved from the Detroit area to St. Petersburg in 1982 and has maintained its headquarters on Roosevelt Boulevard in the city’s Gateway Area. The company operates 30 locations across the United States and continues to expand to support demand for AI and cloud computing.

Strategic Considerations for Manufacturing Location Decisions

For manufacturing executives evaluating expansion opportunities, site selection requires a comprehensive analysis of financial, operational, and strategic factors. Capital investment planning, workforce recruitment strategies, tax implications, and long-term operational costs all factor into these decisions. Our advisors help manufacturers assess expansion opportunities, evaluate incentive programs, and develop financial strategies that support growth while managing costs and risks effectively.

Together, we help manufacturing leaders do Moore. Explore how our accounting, assurance, and advisory services support the financial strength of manufacturers at our Manufacturing Services page.

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