More than a Pin on the Map: Why DBR77 chose North Carolina as Our Gateway to American Manufacturing

This week, our leaders laid out a bold vision. Torian Richardson spoke of building a true Makers Network, and our CEO, Piotr Wiśniewski, Ph.D., explained the global strategy behind our American launch. But one question remains: Why North Carolina? The answer is simple: we aren’t just entering a market; we are joining a revolution.

To understand our decision, you first have to understand the sheer momentum of the region. North Carolina is no longer just a participant in the industrial sector. It is actively setting the pace for the entire nation.

From our global perspective, this momentum isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s the leading edge of a broader American manufacturing renaissance, fueled by powerful national trends like reshoring and strategic initiatives such as the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These aren’t just policies; they are a clear statement of intent. The United States is decisively reinvesting in its industrial base, and North Carolina has positioned itself as the command center for this transformation.


What Makes North Carolina the Undisputed Leader in US Manufacturing?

The data is compelling. In 2024, North Carolina was ranked the #1 state in the USA for manufacturing. This isn’t a fleeting trend. It’s the result of a deliberate and sustained transformation.

  • A Powerhouse of Talent and Investment: with over 470,000 skilled workers – the 8th largest manufacturing workforce in the nation – the talent pool is deep and dynamic.
  • Unprecedented Growth: a staggering $15 billion in new investments in 2024 alone shows that global innovators see what we see: a powerful engine for industrial growth.
  • A Diverse, Future-Focused Ecosystem: the state has brilliantly transitioned from traditional industries to advanced sectors like aerospace, automotive, and biotech.

For DBR77, this is the ideal environment. It’s a market with a rich industrial heritage that is hungry for the next wave of technological innovation – the very definition of a ‘Professional Rebel’ ready for meaningful progress.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. What truly impressed us during our analysis was the state’s “secret sauce”: a powerful synergy between a forward-thinking public sector, world-class academic institutions, and ambitious private enterprise. The deliberate focus on creating customized workforce training programs through the community college system, combined with the research prowess of universities, creates a self-sustaining cycle of innovation. This isn’t just a good place for business; it’s a blueprint for sustainable industrial growth.


Traditional Efficiency vs. Intelligent Production: The DBR77 Approach

North Carolina’s strength lies in its ecosystem of world-class academic institutions and pro-business organizations. This is the fertile ground where the Makers Network – the community of practice Torian Richardson is building – will thrive. We are here to be the accountable partner that helps these ambitious companies make the crucial leap from lean to intelligent.

Here’s a comparison of the two approaches:

Traditional “Lean” MindsetThe DBR77 Intelligent Manufacturing Approach
Focus on eliminating waste from existing processes.Focus on creating new value and resilience with data.
Data is used for historical reporting (“what happened?”).Data is used for prediction and prescription (“what will happen, and what should we do?”).
Decisions are based on experience and historical trends.Decisions are augmented by AI-driven recommendations and digital twin simulations.
Technology is a tool to optimize the current state.Technology is an integrated operating system that enables self-learning production.

Our mission comes to life at the intersection of North Carolina’s industrial ambition and our technological capability. We are here to provide the tools that bridge the gap between lean principles and the transformative power of AI.

How Does DBR77 Unlock the Next Level of Manufacturing?

The true potential of this sector can be fully unlocked by providing plant managers and engineers with a “wise tactical assistant.” This is exactly what our IRIS platform, an intelligent factory operating system, is designed to be.

We are not just selling software; we are delivering a strategic advantage and AI solutions for the industry. By integrating digital twins, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights, we provide the tools to:

  • Test multi-million dollar investments risk-free by simulating new production lines with a digital twin before committing CAPEX.
  • Move from reactive to predictive maintenance, anticipating failures before they stop production.
  • Transform real-time data into actionable decisions, turning every machine and process into a source of competitive advantage.

We are here to be the relentless practitioners who help Carolina manufacturers take that final, crucial step – from being efficient to becoming intelligence-driven.

Piotr Wiśniewski and Justyna Łaskowska, City of Charlotte

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I run a smaller factory. Is this high-tech platform really for me?

Absolutely. Our platform is designed to be scalable. We start by solving your most pressing problem – like understanding machine downtime – to deliver a fast, measurable ROI. We believe intelligent manufacturing should be accessible to everyone, not just the largest corporations.

How is DBR77 different from other Industry 4.0 solution providers?

Three things: First, we are an integrated platform, not a collection of standalone tools. Second, we are relentlessly focused on practical application and business results, not just technology for its own sake. Finally, as your accountable partner, our job isn’t done at installation – we are committed to your long-term success.

What does the first step look like if I’m interested in learning more?

The best first step is to join the conversation. We invite you to our launch event, IEX (Innovation Exchange) 2025, where you can see the technology in action and speak directly with our experts. It’s a chance to explore what’s possible without any commitment. If you will not be attending the event, we invite you to a demo meeting (you can choose a convenient date in the Expert’s calendar).

Don’t Just Witness the Future. Build It with Us.

Our new headquarters in Charlotte is more than a building. It’s a commitment to empowering American manufacturers.

Be part of the conversation that will define the next chapter of this region’s incredible industrial story. We invite you to gain actionable insights at IEX (Innovation Exchange) 2025. As a participant, you’ll be the first to receive our exclusive ‘U.S. Robotics & AI Manufacturing Report 2025’ and witness the launch of our ‘Masterclass’ educational program.

Read more and register at: https://event.dbr77.com/

Publication date: 25 September 2025