"The key criterion is to have that skilled workforce. Of course, we have a great workforce in America, but we're going to need massively more people like here at Nash Community College, that know how to operate machines, that know how to build things with their hands, linemen, (workers) who know how to build our electrical infrastructure. They know how to do robotics and modern manufacturing. I think we'll have a positive feedback loop. Wages are going to get bid up that I think are going to get more and more people to say, 'I got to get those skills. I want to work in that industry,'" said Wright.
Wright toured the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Nash Community College, the same location visited by then-President Joe Biden in 2023.
"In eastern North Carolina, our industrial footprint is growing," said William David Tyson, a Nash Community College student. "So we're going to have the need for more maintenance technicians, more robotics engineers."
"Everything we deal with on a daily basis involves machining at some point, from cell phones to shoes. It may not be directly the part itself, but a lot of times machining is made for molds to form TV remotes or cell phone cases, things like that. Without machining, a lot of that stuff will struggle," instructor Jason Brannon said.
Following Wright's stop in Rocky Mount, he met with workers at Hitachi Energy in Cary. On Thursday, the company announced a new $10 million investment for a 32,000 square-foot facility, which will create 150 jobs.
"We are in the 'age of electricity,' where demand is growing faster, and the grid has become the new frontline of energy security. As AI data centers reshape consumption patterns and electrification accelerates across industries, this new center will strengthen our ability to respond quickly with localized expertise, helping customers maintain grid stability, resilience, and reliability," wrote Marco Berardi, SVP and Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service with Hitachi Energy in a news release.
Wright's visit came as Americans are seeing sharply rising prices at the pump stemming from the war in Iran.
According to AAA, the average gallon of regular gas nationally is $4.08, slightly higher than the statewide average of $3.91.
"We've surged American oil production," Wright said in a one-on-one interview with ABC 11, when asked about measures the administration has taken to lessen the effects. "Our refineries that produce gasoline, they often slow down a bit in the spring. They've agreed to all run flat out this spring. We want to make sure everyone is supplied."
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump delivered a national address, discussing the ongoing military operation.
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"(President Trump is) fixing a long-term problem. But by fixing that long-term problem, it causes a short-term disruption. Frankly, I think this is why previous leaders have just ignored it or kicked the can down the road, because the cost to do it in the short run is real, and people are feeling it today. But this is a bold president that doesn't want to kick that can down the road," said Wright.
He also pointed to increased oil production from Venezuela following the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, saying it has put downward pressure on prices.
"That's oil that specifically fits nicely with American refiners. That oil is flowing into American refiners. That rate of oil flow from Venezuela to America will continue to grow in the coming months," said Wright.
Last month, the International Energy Agency announced its largest-ever release of oil from strategic reserves, though Wright said additional releases are not currently being considered.
"Definitely premature to talk about an additional release from that. I don't think it will be necessary. Not actively being discussed, but everything is on the table if it'll help lower energy prices for Americans," he said. "Everything is on the table."