Our take: This certified shovel-ready site is located 18 miles Northwest of the Port of Wilmington and less than 10 miles from Wilmington International Airport, near I-74 and I-40. Occupation of this site would increase demand for housing and retail in the nearby cities of Wilmington, Leland, Delco, Sandy Creek, and Castle Hayne.
The International Logistics Park (ILP) near Sandy Creek, North Carolina, is a strategic industrial development aimed at boosting economic growth in southeastern North Carolina. Located along U.S. Highway 74/76, the park spans approximately 1,040 acres and is a certified megasite by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Development History:
- Early 2000s: Recognizing the need for large, ready-to-develop industrial sites, Brunswick and Columbus counties collaborated to identify and prepare land suitable for substantial industrial projects.
- 2018: The ILP achieved certification as a megasite, indicating its readiness for immediate development with essential infrastructure and environmental clearances in place. WilmingtonBiz
- 2020: Developers announced plans for an $8.5 million speculative building within the ILP, marking the first construction project at the site. This 150,000-square-foot facility aimed to attract potential tenants by providing ready-to-occupy industrial space. WilmingtonBiz
Impact on Surrounding Areas:
The development of the ILP is poised to significantly impact several cities and counties in the region:
- Brunswick County: As a host county, Brunswick is expected to experience substantial job creation, population growth, and increased economic activity.
- Columbus County: Sharing the megasite, Columbus County anticipates economic benefits, including job opportunities and business expansion.
- Nearby Cities: Towns such as Sandy Creek, Leland, Wilmington, and Northwest may also see economic benefits due to their proximity to the ILP.
Company Announcements and Agreements:
- Precision Swiss Products, Inc. (2021): In June 2021, Precision Swiss Products, a manufacturer of high-precision component parts, announced plans to relocate its headquarters and manufacturing facility to the ILP. The company committed to creating 125 jobs and investing more than $9.3 million in the region. EDPNC
- Tri-Tech Forensics (2021): In August 2021, Tri-Tech Forensics, a Brunswick County-based company specializing in forensic evidence collection kits, signed a lease for nearly 33,500 square feet in the International Commerce Center within the ILP. This move aimed to support the company’s expansion plans. WilmingtonBiz
Recent Developments:
- Expansion Plans (2023): In early 2023, developers announced a $15 million investment to nearly double the park’s warehouse space, adding 134,000 square feet to accommodate more companies and create additional jobs. Border Belt
The strategic development of the International Logistics Park underscores North Carolina’s commitment to fostering economic growth through industrial expansion. The site’s readiness and the significant investments by companies like Precision Swiss Products and Tri-Tech Forensics are set to transform the economic landscape of Brunswick and Columbus counties and their neighboring regions.
Win is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds both North Carolina and South Carolina Real Estate Licenses and was awarded the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in 2008.
Win served on the board of directors of The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA) where he co-chaired The Independent Rental Owner’s Council (IROC). He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Triangle Commercial Association of Realtors (TCAR) and the Raleigh Kiwanis Club.
While a specialist in site identification, evaluation and acquisition for investors and businesses, he also has extensive experience in brokerage, leasing, property management and investment sales.
Win assists in managing The Coleman Group, LLC, which owns a portfolio of investment properties, and he is a member of our acquisitions committee. He has lifelong experience and love for historic properties including the one he restored and where he resides in Historic Oakwood in Downtown Raleigh.
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