On Tuesday, elected officials and local dignitaries came together with leaders of international corporations in the heart of Gaston County to celebrate the grand opening of the Apple Creek Corporate Center. Less than two years after local leaders plunged shovels into the dirt on this site, Apple Creek has secured GNT USA, Knoll America and Premix as tenants for the park. Two more announcements are expected in the weeks ahead.
The latest announcement came last week from Premix Group, a premier producer of plastics, which plans to establish its first U.S manufacturing facility in Gaston County. Premix is expected to bring a $47 million investment and more than 30 new jobs in the Charlotte Region.
Based in Finland, Premix is a family-owned company with global distribution that manufactures electrically conductive plastics. Premix serves the automotive, diagnostics, electronics, life sciences, and other industrial sectors. The new facility will include manufacturing, warehouse, office, and lab space for its diagnostic testing operations.
“We are delighted to welcome Premix to North Carolina, where we have the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeastern United States,” N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders said. “Global companies need a world-class workforce to execute its advanced manufacturing expansions and our workforce development strategies and training partnerships will help support those expansions.”
The Apple Creek Corporate Center (ACCC) is a 327-acre, mass-graded, industrial park developed by Gaston County, located less than 2 miles from U.S. 321 and within 4.5 miles of Interstate 85. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 20 miles from the park. Five parcels remain available for purchase in the park. Target companies for the park are high-quality, single-tenant manufacturing operations.
“Some people don’t believe in fate, but after seeing how Apple Creek was born, thanks to some early conversations we had with the leadership at GNT, I certainly do,” Gaston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chad Brown said. “What they envisioned, and what we ultimately got them here at Apple Creek was like a match made in heaven. Our board was serious when we talked about bringing not just jobs to Gaston County, but that we were going to bring the future here.”
GNT USA CEO Stefan Hake said the connection with Gaston County’s Economic Development Commission and county leadership was critical to making the decision to become the first company to invest in Apple Creek.
“When looking for a new manufacturing site, criteria such as infrastructure, road access, labor market, and surrounding community must be carefully analyzed,” Hake said. “When you look at a site and all you see are grass and trees, it can sometimes be difficult to envision how it could look in 2-3 years time. This vision requires trust in a partner who can not only see your vision, but also help deliver all your needs. We found this trust with the Gaston County EDC together with the leadership of Donny Hicks. Their dedication, solution-oriented thinking, rapid replies, understanding of our needs, and professionalism is a gold standard for any partnership. Additionally, we were pleased to find easy access to highway 85 as well as efficient access to the ports in Charleston, both important logical features in our business.”
Following GNT’s announcement, German-based Knoll announced it would headquarter its North American operations in Apple Creek. That was followed by an announcement late last week by Premix.
“KNOLL America Inc. selected the location in Gastonia because of its logistical convenience,” KNOLL CEO Lothar Burger said. “The proximity to the airport and I-85 and I-77 allow us to reach about 80% of our customers in less than a day, as well as maintain our international business activities. Gaston County also has an optimal workforce for the manufacturing industry due to the closeness to the Gaston Community College and the existing workforce built up over decades by the textile industry. The EDC and their team have been super understanding towards our needs and we truly appreciate their hospitality and business friendly attitude. The area offers a great quality of life as well as conveniently located to the bigger events in the city. Over all, it feels like a great place to be.”
The ACCC is a park with restrictive covenants which provides for construction of tilt-wall or concrete panel type buildings. Developed and owned by Gaston County, the ACCC has environmental and geotechnical reports available upon request. The City of Gastonia provides the water service for sites within the ACCC from a 16-inch line. Sewer service is provided by a 30-inch outfall is also provided by the City of Gastonia. The natural gas system is provided by Dominion Energy.
Rutherford Electric offers the potential for dual feed electric service to the ACCC.
“Working with Gaston County and their strong commitment to industrial development has been a pleasure,” Randy Ward, district vice president for operations, said. “Helping to bring new industry to Gaston County benefits our membership and the county as a whole.”
