The program is hoping to boost North Carolina’s economy by $1 billion in the next few years. Officials say the furniture company KI, formerly known as Krueger International, had a $2 million impact on the economy.

"You hear so much about how the furniture industry is gone away, or is going away, you don't need to spend much time with them,” said Terri Helmlinger-Ratcliff of NCSU. “Well, this proves to me, and I hope to many, that the furniture industry can stay here and can thrive"

The company makes commercial furniture, and is involved in student training programs. The university’s industrial extension service was established in 1955 to help support North Carolina industries.