orth and South Carolina are rivals in pretty much every category – from college sports to barbecue styles to vacation spots. Economic development is also near the top of that competitive list.
        Both states are in industrial diversification mode in the wake of the virtual meltdown of their once robust textile industry over the last few years. While textiles and apparel remain large economic engines, industry recruiters in the Carolinas now find themselves competing for biotech firms, automotive manufacturers and their suppliers.
        Recent studies show both southern states remain at the forefront when companies are looking for new facility locations. North Carolina was tops for the second straight year in Site Selection's Business Climate Survey while South Carolina finished an impressive sixth.
        But complications often accompany growth. Three Carolinas metro areas were painted with a somewhat dubious honor in October when Smart Growth America pegged Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, N.C., Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., among its top five sprawling metropolitan areas in the U.S.
        While the general economic malaise has taken its toll of late, both states continue to garner prized new manufacturing facilities and expansions. Following is a look at recent developments.