Hickory has one of Catawba County’s most diversified development pipelines: a Microsoft data-center campus, additional fiber-optic manufacturing, specialized transportation equipment, and packaging manufacturing at Trivium Corporate Center.
132-job commitment; average compensation expected to exceed $65,000.
Up to 80 jobs and a planned U.S. headquarters by 2030.
At least 20 jobs, with potential additional investment.
Microsoft’s Stover campus is under construction
Microsoft reported utility and foundation work at the site near Hickory-Lincolnton Highway in May 2026, including sanitary, water, fire, telecommunications, and stormwater systems. The campus is part of the company’s broader Conover, Hickory, and Maiden program.
Data centers can add substantial taxable equipment and property while typically supporting fewer permanent on-site jobs than a manufacturing facility with a similar capital value.
Corning expands fiber manufacturing
Corning committed to acquire approximately 32.9 acres at Trivium and invest at least $170 million, with the possibility of reaching approximately $267.9 million. The agreement calls for at least 132 jobs.
Goldhofer brings a new manufacturing category
Goldhofer selected Hickory for its first North American production facility and U.S. headquarters. The first phase is expected to include an approximately 80,000-square-foot production hall for specialized heavy-transport and airport ground-support equipment.
American Fuji Seal grows at Trivium
American Fuji Seal committed to at least $10 million and 20 jobs through improvements to its existing operation and a new facility. Larger investment remains possible under its agreement.
Why the combination matters
- Data infrastructure that can add major taxable value
- Manufacturing projects with direct job commitments
- Fiber products connected to broadband and data demand
- International companies selecting Hickory operations
- Workforce and supplier opportunities across multiple industries
What residents and property owners should watch
- Actual jobs created and maintained
- Buildings and equipment placed on the tax rolls
- Construction traffic and utility work
- Road, stormwater, lighting, and sound impacts near individual sites
- Housing and commercial activity following employment growth
The practical takeaway
Hickory’s advantage is balance. Its pipeline includes both capital-intensive digital infrastructure and employment-producing manufacturing.
The ultimate community effect will depend on completed performance—not announcement totals alone—and will vary significantly by property location.
Sources & current updates
Microsoft: Hickory/Stover construction updatesCatawba County EDC: Corning expansionCatawba County EDC: Goldhofer announcementCatawba County EDC: American Fuji Seal expansionConsidering a Hickory-area property?
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