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The Excellence in Manufacturing Award winner honors the manufacturer that demonstrates exemplary practices across all areas of manufacturing – workforce development, sustainability, innovation, emerging markets/economic development and continuous improvement.
Moog Inc. – Murphy Facility Earns 2026 State Manufacturing Leadership Award of Excellence
Tucked in the mountains of western North Carolina, the Moog Inc. manufacturing facility in Murphy has quietly built a reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and a deep commitment to its workforce and community. In recognition of its leadership across workforce development, innovation, sustainability, economic growth, and continuous improvement, the facility has been named the 2026 State Manufacturing Leadership Award of Excellence winner.
For more than six decades, the Murphy facility has played a vital role in North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing. Originally established in 1963 as Clifton Precision after relocating from Pennsylvania, the site later became part of Lytton and then Northrop Grumman before joining Moog in 2003. Today, the facility employs approximately 305 people and serves as a global hub for high-reliability electromechanical products used in critical industries, including aerospace, defense, industrial automation, medical devices, and data center infrastructure.
The Murphy operation specializes in the design and manufacture of brushless DC motors, blowers, rotating electrical components, and integrated electromechanical assemblies. These technologies power a wide range of mission-critical systems—from medical ventilators and CT scanners to military vehicles and industrial robotics. One of the facility’s most significant growth areas is its data center liquid cooling pumps, which help regulate the heat generated by high-density computing environments supporting artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. As the demand for AI and data processing continues to expand globally, the Murphy facility has rapidly scaled production, increasing output from roughly 70 pump units per week to nearly 800 sets weekly, with plans to reach as many as 1,500–2,000 units per week. The expansion has required new production lines, additional shifts, and continued hiring.
This ability to adapt and scale quickly reflects a culture of continuous improvement and operational flexibility that has defined the facility’s evolution. Over the decades, the plant has transitioned from manufacturing synchro motors and resolvers for aerospace applications to producing advanced brushless motor technologies serving multiple high-growth industries. Leaders at the site say this willingness to reinvent operations as markets change is a key factor in its long-term success.
Equally important to Moog’s excellence in manufacturing is its focus on people. The Murphy facility has built a strong reputation as an employer of choice in Cherokee County by offering competitive wages, profit sharing, and comprehensive benefits. Employees and their families have access to a company-supported health clinic located near the plant, along with reduced-cost prescription services, wellness programs, and a mobile dental clinic that visits the site. On-site fitness facilities and partnerships with local gyms further reinforce the company’s commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.
The strength of this culture is reflected in remarkable employee longevity. Many workers have spent decades at the Murphy facility, including two team members who recently celebrated 60 years of service—an extraordinary testament to the loyalty and pride employees feel in their workplace.
Beyond its factory walls, Moog remains deeply invested in the surrounding community. The company supports local schools, provides scholarships through partnerships with Tri-County Community College, and contributes to community initiatives such as food bank operations and environmental stewardship projects. Employees also take part in activities like lake cleanups and sustainability efforts on campus, including pollinator gardens and employee vegetable plots.
Looking ahead, the Murphy facility continues to push toward higher standards of operational excellence. Leadership has set a goal of pursuing the internationally recognized Shingo Prize for operational excellence within the next few years—a reflection of the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and world-class manufacturing practices.
Through innovation, investment in its workforce, and a steadfast commitment to quality and community, the Moog Murphy facility exemplifies what modern manufacturing can achieve. Its recognition with the 2026 State Manufacturing Leadership Award of Excellence highlights not only the company’s technological capabilities but also its enduring role as a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing in North Carolina.
