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WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. - June 18, 2026 - The North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) recognized the Prolec GE Waukesha expansion in Wayne County as its 2026 Mid-Sized Market Deal of the Year during the NCEDA Annual Conference on Thursday.
Julie Graham, Existing Industry Director for Wayne County with the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, was recognized as the economic developer who helped guide the project from its earliest stages through groundbreaking.
“The Prolec GE Waukesha expansion is one of the biggest economic development wins Wayne County has seen in years, and Julie Graham played the central role in making it happen,” said Mark Pope, President of the NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region. “She built the relationships, kept partners aligned, and helped move the project forward. We are incredibly proud of Julie and grateful for this recognition from NCEDA.”
The expansion at Prolec GE Waukesha’s Goldsboro facility on U.S. Highway 117 South represents a $140 million investment and will create 330 new jobs with an anticipated average wage of $71,912. The project will nearly double annual production capacity from 220 to 420 medium power transformers, adding 200 units per year to help meet growing demand for electrical infrastructure across North America. Construction is expected to take about 2.5 years and will include engineering, major construction, and new manufacturing equipment.
The project was also notable as the first major economic development expansion announcement made by Governor Josh Stein in 2025, underscoring its importance to both Wayne County and North Carolina. The Goldsboro facility has been part of Wayne County’s manufacturing base since 1966, when it opened as Hevi Duty Electric. Today, the facility spans 171,500 square feet, employs more than 350 people, and produces transformers up to 60 MVA and 230kV.
“Julie Graham worked for a couple of years to help bring this project to completion,” said Robert B. Kornegay, Chairman of the Wayne County Development Alliance. “Her leadership, collaboration, and proactive approach were vital in creating the conditions for Prolec GE Waukesha to expand and thrive in rural Wayne County.”
According to Benjy Woodard, Project Manager for Prolec GE Waukesha, Graham’s leadership was instrumental during critical phases of the project, especially in moving from development to public commitment and in coordinating a complex network of state, regional, and local partners.
“This award reflects the power of partnership and the commitment of everyone involved in bringing this project to life,” said Chip Crumpler, Wayne County Manager. “The Prolec GE Waukesha expansion will create opportunity for our residents, strengthen our economy, and support Wayne County’s long-term growth. Julie Graham’s leadership was instrumental, and this recognition is well deserved.”
The Deal of the Year honor highlights both the scale of the Prolec GE Waukesha investment and the strong collaboration among local, regional, and state partners that made the project possible.
A special thank you to the partners involved: Wayne County Development Alliance, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Wayne County government, Duke Energy, North Carolina’s Southeast, and Wayne Community College, NC Global Transpark Economic Development Region. |