Economy & Industry in Ashe County
Traditionally an agriculture and textile economy, the industrial make-up of Ashe County is changing. Today, industry is dominated by advanced materials manufacturing, construction, electronics and automotive industries. The NWNC Advanced Materials Cluster - a three county partnership with Wilkes Community College – continues to be active within the region including participation in our middle school technology programming and the county’s workforce development. As with other areas of the country, Ashe has experienced layoffs due to the economy. However, GE Aviation, Gates Corporation, American Emergency Vehicles, Leviton, Northwestern Vehicles, Southeastern Specialty Vehicles and United Chemi-Con continue to offer diversification in our industrial economy. Other major businesses include Ashe County Cheese, Dr. Pepper Bottling, Elk Creek International, McFarland Publishing, and Screen Specialty.
Agriculture continues to be a vital industry. The thriving Christmas tree industry that boasts over 9.8 million trees makes Ashe County the largest producer in North Carolina. Ashe has furnished the White House Blue Room Christmas tree several times in the past few years.
The tourism industry has increased substantially over the past few years and is estimated to be a 40.3 million industry. The thriving arts community with galleries and the new Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School brings visitors from across the state and beyond. With the Blue Ridge Parkway and its 75th Anniversary in 2010, the beautiful mountain scenery and the historic New River as major draws, tourism will continue as one of our major industries.
