Historic project could create up to 625 high-wage jobs in three-phase expansion
HERTFORD COUNTY, NC — US Forged Rings (USFR), a manufacturer of large-scale forged steel components, announced plans to establish a major production facility in Hertford County, representing a potential $875 million capital investment and the creation of up to 625 new jobs across the first two phases of development.
The project marks the largest economic development investment in Hertford County’s recorded history and is expected to significantly strengthen North Carolina’s advanced metals and heavy manufacturing sector.
Three-Phase Industrial Expansion
USFR anticipates the project unfolding over three phases, with the first two phases generating the 625 projected jobs. At full buildout, total investment could reach $875 million.
Average annual wages for the new positions are expected to be approximately $80,000, substantially above the Hertford County average annual wage of $47,917 — delivering a meaningful boost to household incomes and regional economic activity.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the workforce impact of the investment:
“US Forged Rings’ investment in Hertford County underscores the strength of North Carolina’s manufacturing workforce. We are committed to delivering the talent companies need and bringing good-paying jobs to every corner of our state.”
Strategic Location with Water and Rail Access
Given the size and weight of the steel components being manufactured, water access was a critical site-selection factor. The facility will be located along the Chowan River, which connects to the Albemarle Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, providing strategic logistical advantages.
The site also sits adjacent to Nucor Corporation’s steel processing operations, creating supply chain efficiencies and strengthening the region’s metals manufacturing cluster.
Rail access and partnerships with CSX Corporation further enhance multimodal connectivity for inbound raw materials and outbound finished products.
Serving Critical Infrastructure and Energy Markets
Incorporated in 2022, USFR is backed by an industrial group with more than 40 years of global forging and steel fabrication experience.
The Hertford County facility will manufacture:
- Large forged rings, shafts and cylinders
- Specialty tubular components
- Critical-service fabrications
These products serve essential industries including:
- Power generation (reactors, heat exchangers, high-temperature steam systems)
- Marine and mining
- Defense
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Heavy industrial infrastructure
Giacomo Sozzi, President and CEO of USFR, emphasized the national significance of the investment:
“This facility will help bring good-paying manufacturing jobs back to America, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and strengthen the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure and energy development.”
Transformational Impact for Hertford County
Home to approximately 19,000 residents, Hertford County’s economy is anchored by advanced manufacturing, metals and materials production, and construction-related industries.
According to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), the project represents the largest economic development announcement in the county since at least 2014. At full employment levels, the facility could increase total county employment by nearly 8%.
Christopher Chung, CEO of EDPNC, said the project reflects eastern North Carolina’s industrial momentum:
“With the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and development-ready industrial sites, North Carolina continues to position itself for advanced manufacturing projects of this scale.”
Statewide Collaboration Supports Project
Key partners supporting the project include:
- North Carolina Department of Commerce
- North Carolina General Assembly
- North Carolina Department of Transportation
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
- North Carolina Community College System
- North Carolina Railroad Company
- Dominion Energy
The project further reinforces North Carolina’s competitiveness in heavy industry, energy infrastructure manufacturing, and reshoring strategic supply chains.
