Western North Carolina -- July 6, 2026: Three recent business expansion announcements across Western North Carolina are bringing new investment, job opportunities, and renewed confidence to the region's economy. From a locally owned retailer expanding in downtown Asheville to major manufacturers investing in new facilities and workforce growth, the developments highlight the diversity and resilience of the area's business community.
Collectively, the announcements include more than 448 new jobs, a $102 million manufacturing investment, and continued investment in both downtown commerce and advanced manufacturing.
Gamers' Haunt Expands in Downtown Asheville
After serving Western North Carolina's tabletop gaming community for more than 14 years, Gamers' Haunt has opened a new location at 167 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville.
The new store is more than three times the size of its previous Merrimon Avenue location and offers seating for more than 60 players. The expanded space includes dedicated role-playing game rooms, larger gaming tables, expanded retail inventory, and additional space for community events, tournaments, and demonstrations.
A grand opening celebration is scheduled for July 11 and 12, marking another milestone for the locally owned business as it continues investing in downtown Asheville. The expansion not only enhances the gaming experience for customers but also adds another destination retailer to the city's business district.
Jabil Announces $102 Million Expansion in Henderson County
Healthcare manufacturing company Jabil has announced plans to invest more than $102 million to expand its operations in Henderson County.
The project includes construction of a new 180,000-square-foot facility at the company's existing location in Garrison Industrial Park in East Flat Rock. The expansion is expected to create 148 new jobs, with average annual wages exceeding $62,000.
Jabil's Henderson County operation manufactures precision injection-molded components and assemblies for the healthcare industry. Company officials said the investment reflects continued demand for advanced healthcare manufacturing while strengthening the company's long-term commitment to Western North Carolina.
Local leaders praised the announcement, noting it represents one of the largest private manufacturing investments in Henderson County in recent years while further strengthening the region's advanced manufacturing sector.
Eaton Adds 300 Jobs in Buncombe County
Global power management company Eaton is expanding operations at its Arden and Avery Creek facilities, announcing plans to add approximately 300 new jobs over the next year.
The expansion is being driven by growing national demand for the company's Low Voltage Assembly product line and will increase manufacturing capacity at both Buncombe County locations.
Eaton has operated in the Asheville area since 1977 and currently employs nearly 1,500 people locally. The company said the additional hiring will support continued growth while reinforcing its long-standing presence in Western North Carolina.
Economic development officials said the expansion reflects continued confidence in Buncombe County's skilled workforce and the region's business climate while supporting additional manufacturing growth.
A Positive Outlook for Western North Carolina
Although these three announcements come from very different industries, together they paint a positive picture of Western North Carolina's economy.
Gamers' Haunt demonstrates that locally owned retailers continue to invest in downtown business districts and community gathering spaces. Jabil's expansion reinforces Henderson County's growing reputation as a center for advanced healthcare manufacturing, while Eaton's continued growth highlights the strength of Buncombe County's manufacturing sector.
Together, the projects represent more than 448 announced jobs, over $102 million in private investment, and continued confidence in Western North Carolina as a place where businesses can grow, invest, and create new opportunities.
As communities across the region continue building on recent economic momentum, these expansions illustrate the broad-based growth taking place across retail, healthcare manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing—industries that play an important role in the region's long-term economic success.