Four Rising Industrial Sites on the East Coast: Opportunities in NC’s Southeast

North Carolina’s Southeast (NCSE) region has always held appeal for industries looking for growth, and recent initiatives have made it all the more attractive.

Central to this movement is the NC Selectsite Readiness Program, a state-supported initiative launched to strengthen North Carolina's foothold in advanced manufacturing.

The program seeks to provide sites primed for large-scale industrial investments in target industries such as aerospace, automotive, clean energy, food processing, semiconductor, and life sciences.

Why Southeast North Carolina?

North Carolina consistently earns top ratings as one of the best states for business. In 2023, CNBC awarded North Carolina the No. 1 slot as a business-friendly state, and high-profile sources like Forbes and Business Facilities frequently acknowledge the state’s business-friendly environment.

In addition to having the lowest corporate tax rate in the Southeast, the NCSE region specifically boasts easy access to major international ports, a robust infrastructure, a highly-skilled workforce, a booming agricultural industry, and proximity to military installations.

While large “megasites” – a sister program in the state – of 1,000 acres or more serve certain sectors, the NC’s Selectsite Readiness Program specifically identifies and develops smaller but highly capable industrial properties under 1,000 acres for businesses eager to establish operations within a two-year timeline.

Spotlight on NCSE’s Selectsites: Four Top Industrial Sites on the East Coast

The 2024 Application Cycle for the NC Selectsite program concluded in May, and 15 prime locations across the state were chosen in July.

Four of these select sites are in North Carolina counties within the NCSE region, each offering distinct advantages for manufacturers and a readiness to meet the rigorous demands of modern industry.

1. Energy Way Industrial Park – Richmond County

Richmond County’s Energy Way Industrial Park boasts 672 acres with nearly 380 acres of contiguous, developable land. Proximity to I-74 (3 miles) and access to the CSX mainline rail (one mile) make it ideal for logistics-focused operations.

The site benefits from robust utility support with Duke Energy lines on-site, a 30-inch natural gas line, and water and wastewater capacity from Richmond County services.

This site’s location and infrastructure create a solid foundation for industries seeking scalability, accessibility, and has quickly become a sought-after industrial site on the East Coast.

2. ParkEast Industrial Park (Ivey Site) – Wayne County

In Wayne County, ParkEast Industrial Park expands with the 285-acre Ivey Site, which offers more than 260 acres of usable land. Located near I-795 (seven miles) and Norfolk Southern rail (a half mile north), ParkEast Industrial Park provides vital transportation links and access to a well-developed power grid through Duke Energy.

This site is also positioned to meet the needs of advanced manufacturers with its proximity to workforce training resources, supporting industries, and an economic base keen on growth.

3. Holly Shelter Business Park – New Hanover County

Holly Shelter Business Park in Castle Hayne, New Hanover County, covers 300 acres with nearly 253 acres of contiguous, flat land for industrial use.

Just under two miles from I-40 and close to the Port of Wilmington, the park combines accessibility with utility readiness, featuring adjacent water and wastewater infrastructure.

Duke Energy’s on-site services add to the site’s appeal for companies prioritizing operational efficiency and logistics.

4. NC Global TransPark (North Site) – Lenoir County

The NC Global TransPark in Lenoir County is one of North Carolina’s premier multi-modal business parks.

The 515-acre North Site offers nearly 327 acres of ready-to-develop land with direct access to the Kinston Jetport’s 11,500-foot runway. With on-site rail, ample energy provision from Kinston utilities, and water and wastewater infrastructure in place, this site is highly suited for aerospace, automotive, and other industries requiring large-scale facilities and logistics support.

What’s Next? Selectsite Program Timeline and Future Opportunities

With the state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, the program may see expansions in the years ahead, aiming to bring more mid-sized, high-potential sites to market.

Upcoming opportunities for the NC Selectsite program are expected to follow the May-through-July application and selection cycle established in 2024.

Local governments and development groups interested in submitting sites for future rounds are encouraged to stay in touch with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) for the latest updates.

The EDPNC presented the Selectsite Readiness Program Report – conducted by national site location consulting firm Site Selection Group (SSG) – in July. The EDPNC and SSG received technical support from Thomas & Hutton (T&H), a full-service engineering and design firm with locations throughout the Southeast.

For more information on industrial sites on the East Coast, the NC Selectsite program and how it supports industrial growth in Southeast North Carolina, visit NCSE.org, and explore further resources on site selection, local development incentives, and workforce partnerships across the region.