Which Triad Companies Made Forbes' Top Tech List? Toyota and Labcorp Lead the Way!

The Triad region in North Carolina is home to two of the top ten employers for technology workers in the United States, as highlighted in Forbes' 2025 rankings. Toyota North America and Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings lead the charge, showcasing a robust job market for tech professionals amid rising innovation in the sector.

Last updated: 01 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Two of the top ten tech employers in the U.S. are located in the Triad region.
• Toyota North America's Liberty plant is rapidly expanding its workforce.
• Labcorp is the Triad's only Fortune 500 employer, recognised for diagnostics and drug development.
• Other notable companies in the Triad include Siemens, Lenovo, and FedEx.
• The tech job market is projected to grow significantly by 2034.

Overview of Top Employers in the Triad

The Triad area comprises several cities, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. It stands out as a growing hub for technology and innovation. According to the Forbes rankings, Toyota North America and Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings lead this segment, reflecting a larger trend of increasing demand for skilled tech workers.

Toyota North America: A Tech Giant in the Making

Toyota North America operates a state-of-the-art $13.9 billion battery manufacturing plant in Liberty, North Carolina. The facility, which commenced operations in April, focuses on producing batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles. With nearly 2,000 employees currently on board, Toyota aims to expand its workforce to 5,100 as production ramps up.

This facility not only represents Toyota's commitment to sustainability but also highlights the company's investment in cutting-edge technology and innovation. The demand for skilled workers in manufacturing and technology is expected to rise significantly as the electric vehicle market continues to grow.

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings: The Fortune 500 Leader

Ranked 10th, Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, commonly known as Labcorp, is the only Fortune 500 company based in the Triad. Labcorp is renowned for its diagnostic services and Covance drug development segment, making it a crucial player in the healthcare technology space.

The company plays a pivotal role in providing essential medical diagnostics and supports the pharmaceutical industry through its drug development services. As healthcare technology advances, Labcorp's continuous innovation ensures it remains a leading employer in the tech sector.

Other Prominent Employers in the Triad Region

In addition to Toyota and Labcorp, several other companies with significant ties to the Triad have also made their mark in the tech employment landscape. Below are some notable entries from the Forbes rankings:

• TE Connectivity - Ranked No. 49, with R&D facilities in Winston-Salem and production in Greensboro.
• Siemens - No. 98, operates a $220 million plant for passenger rail cars in Lexington.
• Publix Super Markets - Ranked No. 105, with a distribution centre in Greensboro.
• Lenovo - No. 112, operates a production plant in Whitsett.
• FedEx - No. 115, with a ground campus in Kernersville and a sorting hub in Greensboro.
• Pepsi - Ranked No. 119, with bottling operations in Winston-Salem.
• Lowe's Cos. Inc. - No. 117, has a customer service centre in Winston-Salem.
• Advocate Health - No. 133, owns Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
• Truist Financial Corp. - Ranked No. 189, operates hubs in Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
• Tyson Foods - No. 200, with poultry operations in Wilkes County.
• Caterpillar Inc. - No. 217, has a Progress Rail division plant in Winston-Salem.
• Ross Stores - No. 231, with plans for a distribution plant in Randleman.
• Wells Fargo & Co. - No. 258, provides wealth management in Winston-Salem.
• Novant Health Inc. - No. 273, operates five hospitals in the Triad.
• Johnson Controls - No. 294, has a battery manufacturing plant in Walkertown.

The Significance of the Tech Employment Landscape

The presence of these leading companies underscores the Triad's emerging status as a technology hub. The job market looks favourable for tech professionals, particularly as the demand for skilled workers continues to rise. Forbes notes that the accelerating pace of innovation in technology is a key driver of this growth.

Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment in computer and information technology jobs will increase at a rate faster than the average for all occupations by 2034. This trend highlights the importance of tech roles in driving economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities.

Why It Matters

Understanding which companies are leading the charge in tech employment is crucial for job seekers. It provides clarity on which organisations offer engaging work, flexible schedules, opportunities for growth, and competitive compensation packages. As Forbes indicates, despite a wealth of job openings in the tech sector, it can be challenging to discern which companies truly excel as employers.

How the Rankings Were Determined

Forbes collaborated with Statista to conduct a comprehensive survey involving over 25,000 tech workers across the United States. The criteria for selection included companies with a minimum of 1,000 employees and focused specifically on those identified as having roles centred around technology or IT functions.

Survey participants were asked to rate their likelihood of recommending their current or previous employers, as well as companies known through industry peers or personal connections. This methodology ensures that the rankings are reflective of real experiences within the tech workforce.

Future Outlook for Tech Employment

The future for tech jobs in the Triad appears promising. As companies continue to innovate and seek skilled professionals, the demand for tech workers will likely accelerate. This trend is not just confined to large corporations but extends to smaller startups and established businesses investing in technology.

With the Triad being home to a diverse range of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, the opportunities for technology professionals are vast. As the region continues to develop its tech capabilities, job seekers are encouraged to stay informed about emerging trends and opportunities.

Conclusion

The Triad region is positioning itself as a significant player in the tech employment landscape, with Toyota North America and Labcorp leading the way. As the job market evolves, professionals in the technology sector should consider the opportunities available in this thriving area. The growth of companies in the Triad is indicative of the larger trends shaping the future of work in the technology field.

As the demand for skilled tech professionals continues to grow, how will you position yourself to take advantage of these emerging opportunities? #TriadTech #JobMarket #TechEmployment

FAQs

What companies are the top tech employers in the Triad region?

According to Forbes' 2025 rankings, the top tech employers in the Triad are Toyota North America and Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, along with other notable companies like Siemens, Lenovo, and FedEx.

How was the ranking of tech employers determined?

The rankings were based on a survey of over 25,000 tech workers conducted by Forbes and Statista, focusing on companies with at least 1,000 employees in the U.S. Respondents rated their likelihood of recommending their current and previous employers.

What is the projected growth of tech jobs in the U.S.?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology jobs will grow faster than the average for all occupations by 2034, highlighting a strong demand for tech professionals.

Why is it important to know the best tech employers?

Understanding the best tech employers helps job seekers identify companies that offer engaging work, flexible schedules, and competitive compensation, making it easier to choose where to apply for jobs.

What types of roles are considered tech jobs?

Tech jobs encompass various roles, including software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data project management, and technical support, among others, focusing on IT functions.