With 253 auto parts manufacturers in the state, the industry is a growing part of the Tar Heel economy. New plants include ASMO Co. LTD. in Pitt County and Asheboro's Timkin Company.
Pitt County’s future progress largely rests upon contributions from its county seat. Business ventures that may yield economic growth and development include the 10th Street Connector, East Carolina University’s four research campus sites, a burgeoning biomanufacturing industry, and the merger of Vidant and ECU Physicians into VECU.
Although other areas in North Carolina have seen some downturn in manufacturing, Pitt County has remained constant. Manufacturing such as pharmaceuticals and automotive industries take advantage of their proximity to East Carolina University and its graduates.