C.R. Onsrud Hosts Iredell Economic Development Corporation’s Industry Leaders Council
C.R. Onsrud at 120 Technology Drive, Troutman, NC 28166, hosted almost 40 business leaders on November 12 for the Industry Leaders Council.
Tom Onsrud, President and CEO of C.R. Onsrud, and Jeff Onsrud, Director of Sales and Business Development, kicked off the meeting with a behind the scenes tour of the C.R. Onsrud manufacturing facility. The family-owned and operated business has been in Iredell County since its incorporation in 1976. By 2005, the company had outgrown its original space and bought approximately 45 acres on Murdock Road where they built their first building. Since then, C.R. Onsrud has effectively demonstrated its commitment to Iredell County by expanding multiple times and growing their workforce to approximately 200 people. They continue to produce quality-engineered, durably built CNC machinery relied upon by generations of creative and innovative manufacturers around the globe. As a recognized leader in the CNC industry, C.R. Onsrud machines are a key component in many well-known manufacturing facilities representing a remarkably diverse group of industries.
C.R. Onsrud has numerous recognitions including:
• 2023. #1 Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina
• 2020. Governor’s Export Award
• 2019. Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award, Tom Onsrud
Following the tour, Jenn Bosser, President and CEO of Iredell EDC, presented the results from the 2025 Business Pulse Survey which Iredell EDC conducted between March and June 2025. With well over 100 responses, respondents represented a vast range of industries from throughout Iredell County.
Key takeaways from the survey include:
• Most employers reported stable employment, with half planning to hire additional employees in the next three years.
• More than half of businesses are optimistic about sales growth in the next year.
• Slightly less than half of businesses plan to expand in the next three years.
• The County received high marks for Quality of Life and Business Climate.
• Public Safety (Police, Fire, and EMS) stood out among businesses as excellent.
• The national and global economy, tariffs, and inflation remain top concerns for businesses.
• Supply chain challenges are by far the greatest concern for local businesses.
Iredell EDC’s existing industry program will utilize the results of the survey along with the information gained from conducting over 100 company visits and tours to better understand the individual needs of Iredell County businesses and to connect them with resources to help their business grow and thrive.
Additionally, Bill Thunberg, Executive Director for the Lake Norman Transportation Commission (LNTC) provided an in-depth look at updates on transportation/roads and construction. The mission of the LNTC is to unite the Towns of Mooresville, Davidson, and Troutman with the City of Statesville and Iredell County to advocate and persuade local, state, and federal officials to prioritize the much-needed road, interstate and commuter rail improvements which enhance the quality of life and provide the vital infrastructure necessary of continued economic growth in North Charlotte, Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties as well as the Lake Norman region.
Industry Leaders Councils are a key component of Iredell EDC’s Existing Industry Program. A quarterly, invitation-only program, the Industry Leaders Council provides a platform for business leaders to discuss topics and trends impacting their businesses and an opportunity to share best practices. If you are an industry leader and would like to be included in the unique and informative program, contact Todd Black, Existing Industry manager, [email protected]
You can review the full presentation as well as the 2025 Business Pulse Survey Results here.
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