On September 2, 2025, Mayor Chris Carney announced the successful conclusion of a strategic development trip to Finland, conducted in partnership with Mooresville’s Institute of Digital Engineering (IDE) and representatives from North Carolina Universities. The trip, which took place from August 26-29, aimed to foster international collaboration, explore new technological opportunities, and solidify Mooresville’s position as a hub for high-tech aerospace and defense industry growth.
Over the four-day visit, Mayor Carney met with leaders in the Finnish government, military, and industry. The delegation’s focus was on identifying potential growth partnerships in defense manufacturing and key technology areas such as advanced unmanned aerial systems, cybersecurity, and the integration of digital engineering into defense manufacturing processes.
Key outcomes include:
- Establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Mooresville and the Town of Riihimäki to collaborate on the development of aerospace and defense development. This partnership leverages Finland’s defense expertise with Mooresville’s advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities.
- Site visits to leading Finnish R&D facilities, including VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Aalto University’s labs, which provided insights into cutting-edge research that could be applied to future projects in Mooresville.
- Discussions with the Finnish Ministry of Defense on potential joint ventures and export opportunities, aligning with the growing demand for sustained defense manufacturing and technology development.
- Timeline and next steps, the IDE is already working with several Finnish defense companies on shared digital product development, joint research and the creation of internships.
Mayor Carney commented, “Our partnership with IDE on this trip underscores the Town’s commitment to attracting and supporting high-tech, high-paying jobs in Mooresville. Finland’s advanced manufacturing and defense sectors are world-class, and we learned a great deal about how international collaboration can accelerate economic development for our communities. This visit wasn’t just about business; it was about building relationships that will help Mooresville’s business community, the State of North Carolina, and the nation, prosper for years to come.”
“This trip was a monumental step in our ongoing commitment to global innovation and our local community,” said David Jerome, IDE Executive Director. “The synergy between Mooresville’s strategic growth vision and Finland’s interest in working with our high-tech defense manufacturing companies is clear. We are confident that the connections we’ve made will lead to tangible benefits, creating jobs and advancing capabilities here in North Carolina.”
About The Town of Mooresville
Mooresville is located in the southwestern section of Iredell County, North Carolina, United States, and is a part of the fast-growing Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 50,193 at the 2020 United States Census making it the largest municipality in Iredell County. It is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of Charlotte.
Mooresville is best known as the home of many NASCAR racing teams and drivers, along with an IndyCar team and its drivers, as well as racing technology suppliers, which has earned the town the nickname “Race City USA”. Also located in Mooresville is the corporate headquarters of Lowe’s Corporation and Universal Technical Institute’s NASCAR Technical Institute.
About IDE
IDE is a Mooresville, N.C.-based non-profit specializing in digital engineering and defense sector jobs and manufacturing growth. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, IDE provides critical solutions to commercial, academic and government partners. The IDE is committed to the economic vitality of Mooresville and North Carolina.
