Sustainable development is crucial for realizing China's modernization goals. In the digital economy era, enterprise digitalization serves as a key driver for sustainable growth. This study examines data from Guangdong's A-share listed manufacturing companies spanning 2012 to 2022, investigating the effects of digital transformation on sustainable development, a vital component of the national economic framework. The findings demonstrate that digital transformation positively influences the sustainable growth of Guangdong's manufacturing sector. Additionally, the impact varies based on regional differences and firm-specific attributes. Targeted recommendations are provided in light of these findings. This research offers strategical sights for advancing digital transformation in Guangdong, a core region of China's industrial landscape.