Introduction
Shelby, North Carolina, is experiencing a new wave of industrial growth. Once rooted in textiles and traditional manufacturing, the city and Cleveland County are now redefining themselves as hubs for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled workforce development.
At the heart of this transformation stands AxionLift North America, a family-owned aerial lift manufacturer with over 55 years of global expertise. By establishing its U.S. headquarters and production facility in Shelby in 2024, AxionLift is not only scaling its business but also contributing directly to employment growth and regional economic development. Together with educational partners like Cleveland Community College, this expansion is unlocking opportunities for workforce training, community resilience, and sustainable growth.
Shelby and Cleveland County: An Economic Landscape on the Rise
- In recent years, Cleveland County has ranked among the top micropolitan areas in the United States for industrial investment and job creation.
- Major announcements, such as PPG’s $380 million investment in Shelby (2025), signal confidence in the region’s future.
- With competitive operating costs, a pro-business environment, and a strong industrial corridor, Shelby is attracting companies that create high-quality jobs and diversify the economy.
For AxionLift, Shelby offers more than geography. It provides a strategic hub to reach East Coast and Midwest customers, a growing pool of skilled workers, and an ecosystem aligned with advanced manufacturing.
AxionLift’s Contribution to Employment and Growth
Since opening its Shelby facility, AxionLift has committed to:
- Creating Local Jobs: Roles in welding, assembly, hydraulics, electrical, painting, and quality assurance — alongside engineering, logistics, and management.
- Developing Skilled Talent: Training programs that combine global experience with local execution. AxionLift’s ambassador program brings engineers from Argentina and Brazil to share know-how with U.S. teams.
- Investing in Community: By sourcing from local suppliers and service providers, AxionLift multiplies its economic impact beyond direct employment.
This approach strengthens Shelby’s industrial base and ensures that growth benefits both the company and the community.
Workforce Development: Partnering with Cleveland Community College
Scaling production capacity requires more than machines — it requires people trained for tomorrow’s jobs. That’s why Cleveland Community College (CCC) is central to Shelby’s workforce strategy.
- Technical Training: CCC provides certifications in welding, machining, hydraulics, electrical systems, and safety — all directly relevant to aerial lift manufacturing.
- Workforce Pipeline: By aligning curricula with local industry needs, CCC ensures that companies like AxionLift have access to job-ready talent.
- Upskilling Opportunities: Programs allow current employees to enhance skills in areas like automation, quality, and safety compliance.
For AxionLift, partnering with CCC is not just about filling jobs — it is about empowering growth for employees, contractors, and the entire community.
Broader Economic Impact
The ripple effects of AxionLift’s presence in Shelby extend across the region:
- Job Multipliers: Each direct manufacturing role supports additional jobs in logistics, retail, and local services.
- Supplier Upgrading: U.S. vendors meet higher standards, boosting competitiveness in adjacent industries.
- Tax Base Expansion: Local revenues from payroll and business activity strengthen schools, infrastructure, and emergency services.
- Community Resilience: By producing equipment like the MH55 and TCO56, AxionLift supports utilities and tree care contractors who keep communities safe during storms and disasters.
Conclusion: A Shared Growth Story
Shelby, NC is no longer just a manufacturing town — it is becoming a center of advanced industry and workforce development. Companies like AxionLift North America are driving this shift by combining global experience with local opportunity, creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and empowering educational institutions like Cleveland Community College to train the next generation.
For investors, contractors, and community leaders, the message is clear:
AxionLift’s expansion is not only a business milestone — it is part of Shelby’s broader story of economic resilience and shared growth.
At AxionLift, we don’t just build equipment. We Grow and Empower Growth.
