Protocase and 45Drives Sponsor NC4ME to Support Veteran Employment in North Carolina

Protocase and 45Drives, two companies specializing in rapid manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and enterprise data storage, announced their sponsorship of North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME). This partnership demonstrates their commitment to supporting military veterans transitioning into civilian employment and strengthening North Carolina's economic landscape. Annually, approximately 20,000 service members transition through North Carolina's Department of Defense installations, joining the 778,000 veterans already residing in the state.

Many businesses seek to leverage veterans' valuable skills for critical roles but often lack resources to identify and hire qualified military candidates. NC4ME, established by the Governor in 2015 as a public-private partnership, addresses this challenge by providing strategic education and workforce development tools to employers. Steve Lilley, President of Protocase, stated, "Expanding our global operations to Wilmington, NC, has been an exciting step for Protocase, and we are thrilled to partner with NC4ME to support the military community here. Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and technical skills that align perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality, rapid manufacturing solutions."

Dr. Doug Milburn, President of 45Drives, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, noting, "We find that military veterans possess problem-solving capabilities, resilience, and most especially the key attitude-plus-aptitude combination that fits like a glove with the way we train, develop, and advance talent within our two organizations. We are honored to support NC4ME and help connect talented veterans with rewarding career opportunities at our Wilmington location." For Mike Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of Protocase and a veteran himself, this initiative holds personal significance.

Pearson explained, "Having made the transition from military service into the private sector myself, I understand firsthand the challenges that veterans face when stepping into civilian careers. At Protocase, we are committed to creating a work environment where veterans can apply their expertise, leadership, and technical skills in ways that not only benefit them, but also drive innovation within our company." Through this partnership, Protocase and 45Drives will actively participate in NC4ME initiatives that educate business leaders on hiring military personnel, provide accredited HR training on recruiting and retaining veterans, and facilitate direct connections between employers and veteran job seekers.

By focusing on the demand side of employment, NC4ME ensures veterans successfully transition into civilian life while contributing significantly to the local economy. Protocase and 45Drives reinforce their dedication to fostering strong community and workforce development in the region through this strategic collaboration. The partnership represents a meaningful investment in both veteran success and North Carolina's economic future, leveraging military talent to meet critical workforce needs in specialized manufacturing and technology sectors.