Cape Fear Catamarans capefearcats.com Year founded: 2003   Number of employees: 8   Top official: Barry LeRay, owner and lead designer   Company description: Custom builder of aluminum hull catamarans used by fishermen, pleasure cruisers and fire and rescue departments   Target market: “Any boater or organization that demands high-end ...

Each year, a spotlight shines on manufacturers and makers in the Cape Fear region, revealing that the area is home to more made-in-Wilmington products than residents and even business leaders might realize.   The Greater Wilmington Business Journal launched the MADE Awards for that very reason, to recognize makers, manufacturers, artisans, designers, small businesse ...

Filmwerks filmwerks.com Year founded: 1997   Number of employees: 155   Top official: Mike Satrazemis, CEO   Company description: Production company focused on providing generator power, HVAC, lighting, scenic elements and temporary structures/ stages for live television broadcasts and events   Target market: Television networks and producti ...

HSM Machine Works magroup.net    Year founded: 1991    Number of employees: 20   Top official: James Flock, general manager   Company description: A leading U.S. manufacturer of small- to medium-sized landing gear subassemblies and hydraulic assemblies and testing Target market: Prime aerospace manufacturers and their tier 1 suppliers ...

Cape Fear Solar Systems capefearsolarsystems.com   Year founded: 2007   Number of employees: 36   Top official: Robert Parker, senior project manager and commercial project developer   Company description: “Cape Fear Solar Systems has been empowering home and business owners with energy independence and electricity savings since 2007.&rdq ...

Big Sky Shop + Studio bigskyshoponline.com   Year founded: 2018   Number of employees: 15   Top official: Jennifer Kraner, president and principal interior designer   Company description: “Our Shop + Studio is an interior design showroom featuring 10 everchanging vignettes curated with unique furnishings, art and decor that represent vary ...

End of Days Distillery eoddistillery.com   Year founded: 2020   Number of employees: 21   Top official: Beth and Shane Faulkner, cofounders   Company description: Craft distillery Target market: Those over 21 years of age who appreciate finely crafted spirits   Company growth: “We have grown to producing five ultrapremium, award-wi ...

From software to pet boarding to seafood, local startups have been recognized by Inc. Magazine as some of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. The 2021 Inc. 5000 list includes Catalyst Clinical Research, Nymble Agency, Pawville and Vantaca from Wilmington; Proforma Promographix from Carolina Beach; and Topsail Steamer from Surf City. Leading the local pa ...

Wilmington is known for its clinical research cluster and its financial technology cluster. But how about its baby products cluster?   The area is home to at least five companies that provide niche products for infants and toddlers. Officials of three companies recently met and talked.   “I’m surprised and delighted that we are sharing best practi ...

A growing company that has taken the low country boil to a new level was named Entrepreneur of the Year on Friday during the 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards. Topsail Steamer, founded in 2017 by Danielle Mahon, has grown to six locations – one in Wrightsville Beach, one on Topsail Island, three in New Jersey and one in Delaware – with a seventh that will ope ...