Burke Development, Inc.

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Burke Development, Inc. Advancing Burke County, North Carolina through Innovation, Investment, and Partnership. Burke Development, Inc.

(BDI) is a nonprofit organization supported by private and public funding that is charged with accelerating economic growth in Burke County. BDI works with industry leaders, site selection consultants, government agencies and other entities to facilitate expansion and development strategies for existing businesses and recruit target industries to Burke County.

10/22/2026
This month, as we continue to celebrate ManufacturingMonth in North Carolina - we’re recognizing the strength of Burke C...
10/21/2026

This month, as we continue to celebrate ManufacturingMonth in North Carolina - we’re recognizing the strength of Burke County, NC's manufacturing sector and the existing industries that continue to invest, innovate, and create a more sustainable future.

Siegwerk Environmental Inks is a great example, as the company is investing more than $1 million in solar energy at its Morganton facility through Project HoriSun, an initiative designed to supply the majority of the facility’s electricity needs with renewable energy once operational.

A part of Burke County’s manufacturing community since 1979, Siegwerk demonstrates how established manufacturers continue to modernize their operations, embrace innovation, and make investments that benefit both their businesses and our community.

Congratulations to Siegwerk, as well as the existing industries in our community that continue to invest in the future of Burke County. We are truly appreciative of you and your employees. 🧡

The link to the full press release can be found here:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:8736d42a-e391-4713-bb62-014effa4b128

City of Morganton, NC Government Burke County Government

**Siegwerk Invests More Than $1 Million in Solar Energy at Morganton Facility**Project HoriSun will help power the facil...
10/21/2026

**Siegwerk Invests More Than $1 Million in Solar Energy at Morganton Facility**

Project HoriSun will help power the facility with renewable energy and reduce its long-term environmental footprint

MORGANTON, N.C., October 21, 2026 — Siegwerk Environmental Inks is investing more than
$1 million in a solar energy installation at its Morganton facility, reinforcing the company’s
commitment to sustainability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The project, known as Project HoriSun, is supported by Siegwerk’s Global Green Fund and will
bring renewable energy generation directly to the company’s manufacturing operations at 1
Quality Products Road in Morganton. Once operational, the solar installation is designed to
supply the majority of the facility’s electricity demand, delivering long-term environmental and business benefits.

The solar panels are being installed in a field near the rear entrance of the facility’s WB
Building. With Phase 1 complete and installation underway, Project HoriSun represents a
significant investment in the facility’s energy infrastructure and long-term sustainability. Over the expected lifetime of the installation, the project is projected to avoid approximately
10,805 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas equivalencies, that reduction is comparable to the emissions from driving approximately 24.6 million passenger vehicle miles or the carbon dioxide absorbed by 162,077 trees grown for 10 years.

"With our solar expansion in Morganton, we are bridging the gap between operational excellence and environmental responsibility to meet our customers' evolving needs." Scott Bartlett - Head of Operations/Supply Chain For Burke County, Project HoriSun reflects the continued commitment of local manufacturers to modernize their operations, invest in their facilities, and plan for long-term growth.

“Investments like Project HoriSun demonstrate how manufacturers in Burke County are
embracing innovation and investing in the future,” said Brandon Ruppe, President and CEO of
Burke Development, Inc. “These projects strengthen our manufacturing base, demonstrate a
commitment to responsible operations, and reinforce Burke County’s position as a place where companies can grow and thrive.”

The project also brings a significant investment in renewable energy to Morganton, where
Siegwerk has maintained a presence as part of the local manufacturing community. “We are proud to see Siegwerk making a significant investment in renewable energy right here in Morganton,” noted Mayor Ronnie Thompson. “This project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and represents the kind of forward-looking investment that benefits our community. We appreciate Siegwerk’s continued presence and its contributions to Morganton.”

At the county level, the investment highlights the role established manufacturers play in
strengthening Burke County’s economy while making long-term improvements to their
operations. “Siegwerk’s investment in solar energy is an important example of the innovation taking place across Burke County’s manufacturing sector,” added Jeff Brittain, Chair of the Burke County Board of Commissioners. “We value companies that continue to invest in their facilities, their operations, and their long-term future here. Project HoriSun demonstrates how economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

About Siegwerk
Siegwerk is a global provider of printing inks and coatings for packaging and labels, serving
customers across a range of industries. With operations around the world, the company focuses on developing innovative solutions that support its customers and advance sustainability in the packaging industry. Siegwerk (Environmental Inks and Coatings) opened their doors in Morganton on Hwy 18 S. in 1979, moving to Hwy. 181 in the early 1980s before building their own facility in 1985 on #1 Quality Products Rd., where they currently reside.

As we celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re proud to recognize two of Burke County, NC's outstanding educational institut...
10/19/2026

As we celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re proud to recognize two of Burke County, NC's outstanding educational institutions - both of which are making national headlines and two of BDI's most collaborative economic development partners.

Congratulations to the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), named the nation’s #1 public high school by Niche for the fourth time in five years, and Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), ranked as the #1 community college in North Carolina and #3 in the nation!

These achievements highlight the exceptional educational assets that strengthen Burke County’s economic competitiveness.

Through partnerships with local manufacturers and industry, these institutions help cultivate the next generation of skilled talent, connect students to career opportunities, and ensure our workforce is prepared to meet the evolving needs of modern manufacturing.

Strong schools + Strong industry partnerships = A stronger manufacturing workforce.

That’s how and how we continue to attract advanced manufacturing investment, support existing industry growth, and continue to build a stronger economic future for our region.

Did you know? đź’ˇNorth Carolina recognizes October as Manufacturing Month - and here in Burke County, we believe the manuf...
10/05/2026

Did you know? đź’ˇ

North Carolina recognizes October as Manufacturing Month - and here in Burke County, we believe the manufacturers who power our economy and strengthen our communities deserve a huge T H A N K Y O U !

This month, and throughout the year, BDI will continue to shine a spotlight on the manufacturers that call Burke County home; highlighting their innovative technologies, products, career opportunities, talented workforce, and unique stories.

Their contributions extend far beyond the factory floor, and we are so proud and thankful to have them in our community. đź’›

Please join us! 🧡
09/29/2026

Please join us! 🧡

Join us for our next Coffee & Conversation featuring Brandon Ruppe, President & CEO of Burke Development, Inc. !

Learn about the latest economic development initiatives, current projects, future plans, and opportunities shaping Burke County's growth. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from one of our community's leaders and ask questions about the future of economic development in Burke County.

đź“… October 14
⏰ 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
📍 Glory Mountain Retreat Center

Breakfast will be provided starting at 7:30am. Program will start at 8am.

Register today! https://business.burkecountychamber.org/events/details/coffee-conversation-with-brandon-ruppe-on-economic-development-11117?calendarMonth=2026-10-01

Today, the BDI team and Burke County, NC local leadership were in Charlotte for Invest: Charlotte 6th Edition Leadership...
09/24/2026

Today, the BDI team and Burke County, NC local leadership were in Charlotte for Invest: Charlotte 6th Edition Leadership Summit + Report, where Burke County, NC is being featured as part of this year’s publication highlighting the communities and leaders shaping economic development across the region.

The Burke County feature, “Land, Labor, and Legacy,” showcases our community’s manufacturing heritage and the assets positioning Burke County for the industries of tomorrow - including our workforce, education and training resources, industrial sites, infrastructure, and strategic location.

The publication also highlights the collaborative work happening across Burke County and the leadership helping move our economic development efforts forward, including insights from BDI President & CEO Brandon Ruppe, as well as other community and regional leaders, who have helped us in this endeavor to share our story directly to the business, economic development and site selection community - and to strengthen the relationships that connect Burke County to the broader Charlotte region.

Additionally, we were proud to see Gary Paxson, FACHE, RN, BSN, MS, Burke County’s CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridgeparticipating in one of the panel discussions today, as he helped to also highlight some of Burke County’s assets and trends impacting the future of healthcare.

The digital version of Burke County’s Chapter in the Invest: Charlotte publication can be found here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:bb2d3950-3061-46ce-8209-d5bb9f06da4c

Congratulations to Case Farms in Burke County-Morganton, NC, one of our community's longstanding manufacturers, who rece...
09/22/2026

Congratulations to Case Farms in Burke County-Morganton, NC, one of our community's longstanding manufacturers, who recently completed an expansion which represents approximately $50 million in new capital investment and 51,00 additional square feet.

Last week, the company marked the completion of the expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by Burke County Chamber of Commerce North Carolina and sponsored by BDI, which was attended by local elected officials, community leaders, and economic development partners.

Supporting the growth and continued investment of existing manufacturers is a key component of BDI's economic development strategy, and we are grateful to Case Farms for their ongoing commitment to our community.🧡

09/11/2026

Huge thank you to Brandon Ruppe, President of Burke Development, Inc. for coming to speak to our group yesterday! Brandon shared updates with our group on how BDI is working to advance Burke County's economic outlook through innovation, investment and partnership.

Burke County Job Fair & Employment Opportunities coming your way!
09/01/2026

Burke County Job Fair & Employment Opportunities coming your way!

The Burke County Job Fair is set for Sept. 15. Here's more information from our community partners hosting the fair:
đź“… Date: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Collett Street Recreation Center
300 Collett Street, Morganton, NC 28655
âś… Come dressed to impress!
✅ Bring copies of your résumé!
âś… Meet with top employers!
This is a great place to find your next job!

Address

2128 S Sterling St, Ste 150
Morganton, NC
28655

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18287649370

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