BorgWarner Expansion Brings 378 New Jobs to Hendersonville NC

If you’ve been wondering what’s fueling all the momentum around Hendersonville’s east side, here’s a headline-maker: BorgWarner Inc. is investing at least $100 million in a major expansion off Upward Road that’s set to create 378 new, high-paying jobs. For locals and anyone considering a move to Hendersonville, this is one of those projects that quietly reshapes the future of a community—more opportunity, more stability, and more reasons to plant roots here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A Global Company Betting Big on Henderson County

BorgWarner is no stranger to Western North Carolina. This U.S.-based global mobility company operates 81 manufacturing and technical locations around the world, with a workforce of roughly 37,500 people. They’ve been a legacy employer in our region for years, previously running a plant at Cane Creek Industrial Park in Fletcher before consolidating into their Arden facility.

Now, BorgWarner is doubling down on Henderson County. Their latest expansion focuses on a new manufacturing plant rising up behind the Blue Ridge Commerce Center just off McMurray Road, not far from Upward Road and I-26. The company will also take additional space within the Blue Ridge Commerce Center itself—an area you might remember was used as an aid distribution hub after Hurricane Helene.

Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Lapsley summed up the pace of this project in just a few words: “They’re going like gangbusters out there.” For neighbors and commuters who drive that corridor regularly, the construction cranes and steel rising above the treeline tell the story—this is serious, long-term investment.

378 New Jobs With Strong Salaries

At the heart of this expansion are 378 new jobs with average annual wages north of $67,047. In a county where the cost of living is relatively moderate compared to bigger metros like Asheville or Greenville, that salary level can be a game changer for families.

For people already living in Hendersonville, this means:

• More career options close to home, cutting down on long commutes to Asheville or beyond.
• High-quality manufacturing and technical roles in a clean, advanced-technology environment.
• More stability and opportunity for young professionals who want to stay in the area after high school or college.

For those thinking about a move to Hendersonville NC, this type of project answers a key question many newcomers ask: “What’s it like living in Hendersonville in terms of jobs and opportunity?” The BorgWarner expansion is a powerful signal that global employers see Henderson County as a smart, future-focused place to grow.

Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing & a Bright Local Future

What sets this project apart isn’t just the size—it’s the kind of work BorgWarner does. The company is a major player in technologies that support clean energy and advanced mobility, areas that are becoming more critical as the automotive and transportation industries shift toward electrification and efficiency.

Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk highlighted this when she noted that the city has intentionally grown its manufacturing base with a focus on sustainability and advanced industries. Facilities like this one don’t just create jobs; they position Hendersonville on the cutting edge of clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.

If you’re someone who wants to relocate to Hendersonville and be part of a community that balances small-town charm with forward-looking industries, this project is a reassuring sign. It means our local economy isn’t standing still—it’s evolving in ways that can support families, careers, and long-term investment.

Collaboration: City, County, and Education Working Together

The BorgWarner expansion didn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s the product of years of collaboration between local and state partners who have been steadily building an attractive environment for employers and residents alike.

Key partners in this project include:

• Henderson County
• The City of Hendersonville
• Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development
• North Carolina Department of Commerce
• Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
• North Carolina Community College System & Blue Ridge Community College
• Duke Energy

The city and county partnered on incentives for both the Blue Ridge Commerce Center and BorgWarner’s new plant site in the Upward community. The city even annexed the land and extended water and sewer services to make the project possible. This kind of coordination is part of why companies look closely at Henderson County when they’re scouting locations.

If you’d like a deeper look into how local leaders support smart growth, the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development shares helpful resources on current projects, workforce initiatives, and the broader economic vision for our area.

Education & Workforce: Building Talent Close to Home

One of the most encouraging aspects of this expansion is the connection to workforce development. With partners like the North Carolina Community College System and Blue Ridge Community College, the groundwork is already in place to help local residents train for these new roles.

For students and career-changers, that could mean:

• Technical programs tailored to advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.
• Shorter pathways from classroom to career with local employers like BorgWarner.
• Opportunities to earn solid wages without leaving the community you love.

From a lifestyle perspective, what’s it like living in Hendersonville when it comes to education and career growth? Increasingly, it means you don’t have to choose between mountain-town quality of life and professional opportunity—you can have both.

Why This Matters If You’re Thinking of Moving to Hendersonville

If you’re reading this from out of town and weighing a move to Hendersonville, you’re probably doing the same research most newcomers do: schools, healthcare, outdoor lifestyle, and job prospects. The BorgWarner expansion checks that last box in a big way and complements the rest.

Here’s how this project adds to Hendersonville’s overall appeal:

• Stronger local job market: High-paying positions in a growing industry help support restaurants, shops, and services across the county.
• Stable tax base: Significant capital investment often translates into better-funded public services and infrastructure over the long term.
• Balanced growth: Manufacturing and logistics along the I-26 corridor help preserve the character of downtown Hendersonville and surrounding neighborhoods.

When you pair this with the many things to do in Hendersonville—from strolling Main Street and apple-picking in the fall to hiking at DuPont State Recreational Forest and exploring local breweries—you start to see why more people are choosing to call this corner of the mountains home.

If you’re curious about neighborhoods, housing options, and what day-to-day life feels like here, I’ve shared more local insight in the Learning Center article Relocating to Henderson County, NC. It’s a helpful starting point if you’re actively planning a move.

Hendersonville’s Next Chapter

In many ways, the BorgWarner expansion is a glimpse into Hendersonville’s next chapter. We’re still the same place where neighbors chat at the bakery, farmers markets buzz on Saturday mornings, and Blue Ridge sunsets stop you in your tracks. But we’re also a community that’s attracting world-class employers, building a skilled workforce, and investing in smart infrastructure.

For long-time residents, it’s a validation of what we’ve known all along—this is a special place to live and work. For those considering moving to Hendersonville, it’s one more reason to put our mountain town at the top of your list. Opportunity is growing here, and the future looks bright on the Upward Road corridor and beyond.

Whether you’re already here or just starting to imagine a life framed by ridgelines and possibility, keep an eye on BorgWarner’s new facility. It’s more than a construction site—it’s a landmark of what Hendersonville is becoming.