Catawba County is home to a significant number of internationally owned firms, with more than 40 global companies operating locally, primarily in manufacturing. These international firms employ over 4,000 people, representing about 17 % of the county’s manufacturing workforce and highlighting the region’s appeal for foreign direct investment. Many of these companies are based in Europe and Asia and span industries such as automotive components, advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and packaging—sectors that align with the workforce strengths and industry clusters that the Catawba County EDC targets for growth. Examples include German, Italian, Japanese, British, and Swedish–headquartered firms that chose Catawba County for its skilled labor pool, strong manufacturing infrastructure, and supportive business climate.