Baolong and Luftride establish advanced manufacturing facility in Davie County, creating approximately 80 skilled jobs
Davie County continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination for advanced manufacturing with the arrival of Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation and Luftride LLC, whose partnership combines global engineering expertise with North American manufacturing, sales and customer support. Company leaders, elected officials and economic development partners recently gathered to celebrate the launch of a new manufacturing operation that will bring advanced automotive technology production to Mocksville.
Located at 126 Quality Drive in SouthPoint Business Park, the new facility represents a $15.5 million investment in Davie County. The 80,000-square-foot plant will manufacture advanced electronically controlled air suspension components for leading automotive manufacturers across North America and is expected to create approximately 80 skilled jobs, with hiring anticipated to begin next year.
Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission, said the announcement represents another milestone in the county’s continued growth as a manufacturing center.
“We’re excited to welcome Baolong and Luftride to Davie County,” Bralley said. “This investment is another example of the momentum we’re seeing as advanced manufacturers recognize the advantages our community offers. From our skilled workforce and excellent transportation access to the partnerships that exist throughout Davie County and North Carolina, this project demonstrates what can happen when everyone works together toward a common goal. The addition of Baolong and Luftride further strengthens Davie County’s growing reputation as a destination for advanced manufacturers while reinforcing North Carolina’s expanding automotive supply chain. We’re proud the company chose Mocksville for its North American manufacturing operation, and we look forward to supporting its growth while creating new opportunities for the people of Davie County.”
For Baolong, the Mocksville facility represents more than a new manufacturing location—it marks the beginning of a long-term investment in both Davie County and North Carolina.
“This event represents a significant milestone in our companies’ partnership and marks the beginning of a long-term investment in Davie County and the State of North Carolina,” said Charles Zhang, chairman and president of Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation. “Together, Baolong Group and Luftride LLC are establishing an advanced manufacturing operation that will produce innovative air suspension systems and other automotive components for leading original equipment manufacturers across North America.”
Why Mocksville?
According to Zhang, the decision to locate the company’s newest North American manufacturing operation in Mocksville was driven by several factors.
“We selected Mocksville because of its outstanding business climate, skilled workforce, strategic location and the strong support demonstrated by local and state leaders,” Zhang said. “We are excited to become part of this vibrant community and are committed to building a world-class manufacturing facility that will create high-quality employment opportunities, strengthen the regional automotive supply chain and contribute to the continued economic growth of North Carolina.”
Town Manager Lee Rollins welcomed company representatives on behalf of the Town of Mocksville and emphasized the community’s commitment to helping the company succeed.
“Today is an exciting day for Mocksville,” Rollins said. “We’re honored that Baolong and Luftride have chosen our community for this important investment. We know that location matters, and we believe Mocksville offers the right combination of access, workforce and quality of life. More importantly, we want you to know that we’re here to help. Our team is committed to supporting your success every step of the way and doing whatever we can to help your business thrive in Mocksville.”
Benita Finney, chair of the Davie County Board of Commissioners, echoed that welcome.
“We are so thankful you chose Davie County,” Finney said. “We definitely think it’s the best place to be, and we look forward to what you will accomplish in Davie County.”
A Partnership Built for North America
The Mocksville operation brings together Baolong’s global engineering and manufacturing expertise with Luftride’s North American market knowledge and customer support capabilities.
Luftride specializes in advanced air suspension systems for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, and specialty vehicles. The company focuses on delivering localized engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, sales, and technical support tailored to the needs of North American customers.
Under the partnership, Baolong will focus on supplying original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)—the automakers that install components in new vehicles during production—while Luftride will lead aftermarket sales, distribution, and customer support, ensuring that replacement parts, technical assistance, and service are readily available throughout North America.
Company leaders said the partnership creates a fully integrated North American operation capable of delivering innovative air suspension technology while providing shorter lead times, localized production, and responsive customer support.
The Mocksville facility represents an important step in that strategy, allowing the companies to manufacture products closer to their customers while strengthening the regional automotive supply chain.
Bringing Advanced Automotive Technology to Davie County
The Mocksville facility will manufacture key components for Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) systems, including air spring assemblies and air supply units.
While most drivers never see these components, they play an important role in modern vehicles.
Unlike traditional steel springs, air suspension systems use compressed air to automatically adjust a vehicle’s ride height and suspension. The technology improves ride comfort, handling, stability and fuel efficiency while helping vehicles adapt to changing loads and road conditions. Once found primarily on luxury vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, electronically controlled air suspension systems are becoming increasingly common on passenger vehicles, SUVs and electric vehicles.
Baolong began developing electronic air suspension technology in 2012 and has since become a global leader in the field.
The Mocksville plant will feature highly automated assembly lines designed to produce these precision components efficiently while maintaining strict quality standards.
When fully operational, the facility is expected to produce approximately 350,000 air spring assemblies and 200,000 air supply units annually.
Building on Nearly Two Decades in North Carolina
Although the Mocksville facility represents a significant expansion, Baolong’s relationship with North Carolina began more than twenty years ago.
Zhang recalled first visiting the state in 2003. In 2005, Baolong partnered with a financial investor to acquire Eaton Corporation’s Roxboro operation. The business was renamed Dill Air Control Products, and manufacturing operations were later moved to Oxford while retaining all 110 employees.
During the ceremony, Zhang thanked Luftride, describing the company as a long-time friend and trusted partner.
He also expressed appreciation to the many local, county, regional and state leaders whose collaboration helped bring the project to Davie County.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our local, county, regional and state partners,” Zhang said. “We sincerely appreciate the leadership and commitment shown by our elected officials and economic development organizations throughout this process.”
Investing in Davie County’s Future
Founded in 1997, Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers.
Today, the publicly traded company employs more than 8,100 people worldwide and operates 12 manufacturing campuses, 23 production facilities, and 15 research and development centers, serving customers around the globe.
While Baolong contributes decades of global automotive engineering and manufacturing experience, Luftride provides the local expertise needed to serve the North American market. By combining international innovation with localized manufacturing, engineering, distribution and customer support, the partnership is designed to strengthen the automotive supply chain while responding more quickly to the needs of vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket customers across the United States and Canada.
Construction and equipment installation at the Mocksville facility will continue over the next two years, with production expected to ramp up in 2028.
For Davie County, however, the project represents much more than a new manufacturing plant.
It brings another internationally recognized company to the community, expands opportunities for skilled workers, strengthens the county’s growing automotive manufacturing sector, and reinforces the partnerships that continue to attract high-quality employers to the region.
As Baolong and Luftride begin hiring and prepare for production, their investment reflects the confidence global manufacturers have in Davie County’s workforce, infrastructure, and collaborative approach to economic development.
The project also reinforces a trend that has defined Davie County’s recent economic growth. Companies from around the world continue to recognize the advantages of locating in the community—where strategic access to major transportation corridors, a talented workforce, and strong public-private partnerships create an environment where businesses can succeed.
