PENDER COUNTY — Off US Highway 421, four industrial companies have taken a liking to land 13 miles from Wilmington’s port.
Pender Commerce Park welcomed Acme Smoked Fish in 2013, Empire Distributors in 2015 and may soon be home to Coastal Beverage Company and FedEx Ground.
RELATED: FedEx Freight coming to Pender Commerce Park
Yesterday, Pender County accepted a bid from Coastal Beverage Company to purchase land in the commerce park, “days after” FedEx Ground announced plans for an 18,000 square foot parcel according to a release.
Memphis-based FedEx Ground plans to invest “at least $5 million” toward a sorting hub, according to a Pender County release.
The 349 acres of developable land owned by Pender County is being touted by Wilmington Business Development, advertising “enhanced tax credits” and “other incentives.”
Now that Wilmington is largely built out, the large acreage, tax credits and “heavy manufacturing” zoning may appear attractive to companies looking to align themselves with the growing region.
Scott Satterfield, CEO of Wilmington Business Development, said the park’s proximity to a potential workforce and consumer base makes it a “winner” for manufacturers and logistics businesses.
At 42,350 an acre, Pender County approved an offer from Coastal Beverage Company to purchase 27.7 acres for $852,929.
The sale will be finalized after Feb. 15 if no additional bids are made when the upset period expires.
