If you’ve been keeping an eye on growth in northern New Hanover County, here’s another big sign that the Wilmington area continues to be a magnet for new jobs and investment. An Ohio-based metal fabrication company, Standard Technologies, is making plans to build an 85,000-square-foot facility in Castle Hayne—bringing with it about 65 full-time jobs to start, with room to grow.
The project is planned for a large, nearly 35-acre site off Las Tortugas Drive. Representatives for the company recently met with county planners to begin the approval process required for this type of manufacturing. Even though the land is already zoned for light industrial use, metal fabrication operations need a special use permit before moving forward.
So who is Standard Technologies? The company is headquartered in Fremont, Ohio, and works in high-precision sheet metal fabrication—everything from fuel tanks and hydraulic reservoirs to custom enclosures and parts used in construction, agriculture, energy, transportation, even recreational vehicles. In the new Castle Hayne location, they expect to handle operations like laser cutting, welding, and powder coating, all within the enclosed workspace.
And this may be just the beginning. Because the property is so large, the company has already hinted at possible future expansion—meaning even more job opportunities down the road. Plans for the initial build include space for 130 parking spots, a truck loading area, and enough room to support growing operations over time.
Before construction can begin, the project still needs the green light from the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. They’ll look at things like safety, compatibility with the surrounding area, and overall impact before making a final decision.
If the project moves ahead, Standard Technologies will join a growing cluster of fabrication and advanced manufacturing companies choosing the Wilmington region. Just in the last few years, companies like Industrial Reliability and Repair and Protocase have expanded or set up shop here—continuing a trend of skilled industry jobs shifting toward the Cape Fear area.
For current and future homebuyers, especially those looking in northern New Hanover County and nearby Brunswick County, this is another strong indicator of economic growth, rising employment opportunities, and long-term stability. It’s one more example of why the Wilmington area continues to attract both businesses and new residents looking for a place to build their future.