Clayton Builds Manufacturing Connections At IMTS 2026

CLAYTON, N.C. – The Town of Clayton recently took its economic development efforts directly to one of the manufacturing industry’s largest gatherings, representing the community at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

Held September 14–19, IMTS brought together manufacturers, technology companies, suppliers and industry leaders from across the United States and around the world to explore the technologies and investments shaping the future of manufacturing. The show featured everything from machining and precision manufacturing to automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and smart factory technology.

For Clayton Economic Development, participating in IMTS was about more than seeing those technologies firsthand. It was an opportunity to build relationships with companies and industry partners, promote Clayton and North Carolina as destinations for future investment, and better understand what manufacturers are looking for as they grow and expand.

The Town participated through a partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), joining other economic development and industry representatives at the All in North Carolina booth in the East Building.

“Events like IMTS give North Carolina communities an opportunity to connect directly with leading manufacturers in growth mode,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “We’re pleased to see communities like Clayton take advantage of our Cooperative Marketing Program, which helps economic development offices across the state make connections with companies in key industries.”

Throughout the week, Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Lewis represented the Town on the show floor and at the North Carolina booth, connecting with manufacturers, industry representatives, and partners while sharing information about continued growth and investment opportunities in both North Carolina and Clayton.

“Representing Clayton at IMTS was an incredible opportunity to witness emerging technologies, strengthen industry relationships, and highlight the advantages our state offers for future investment and growth,” Lewis said.

The event also provided an opportunity to learn more about where manufacturing is headed and what communities will need to support the industry’s continued growth. Advances in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and other manufacturing technologies can influence everything from workforce needs and infrastructure to the types of facilities companies require.

That knowledge can help Clayton better position itself for future opportunities while building relationships with the companies, organizations and professionals involved in manufacturing investment and expansion.

The Town’s participation also strengthened its connection to North Carolina’s broader economic development network. By working alongside EDPNC and other partners, the Town helped introduce companies and industry representatives to the resources and opportunities available not only in Clayton, but throughout Johnston County and North Carolina.

Christian Matthews, Vice President with Evans General Contractors, was among the North Carolina industry partners participating alongside Clayton and EDPNC.

“Representing Evans General Contractors alongside the Town of Clayton at the EDPNC booth during IMTS in Chicago this week made one thing clear: North Carolina remains the premier global destination for advanced manufacturing. International companies were increasingly looking to invest in our state, the speed and precision of design-build delivery in locations like Johnston County are vital to bringing those facilities online. Evans was proud to partner with EDPNC and Clayton economic leaders to help attract, design, build, and expand the high-tech manufacturing operations shaping North Carolina’s future,” Matthews said.

Lewis also had the opportunity to connect with North Carolina companies and partners that visited the All in North Carolina booth throughout the week. Those conversations helped strengthen relationships with businesses already contributing to the state’s manufacturing economy while creating new opportunities to introduce companies to Clayton.

“IMTS gave us the chance to make connections that can continue long after the show ends. We’re grateful to EDPNC for helping communities like Clayton build those relationships and create new opportunities for future growth,” Lewis said.