Our take: Strategically located for a variety of transportation options: the Port of Wilmington, Wilmington International Airport (ILM), on I-74 with good access to I-40 and I-95, and a CSX Select Site for rail. When this site is occupied, demand for apartments and bread-and-butter retail will increase in these nearby cities: Wilmington, Leland, and Whiteville.
The Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park (MAIRP) is a strategically developed megasite located near Leland in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Spanning approximately 1,100 acres, this site has been meticulously prepared to attract large-scale industrial investments, aiming to boost economic growth in the southeastern region of the state.
Development History:
- Early 2000s: Recognizing the need for substantial industrial sites to attract major employers, Brunswick County, in collaboration with local economic development organizations, began efforts to identify and prepare land suitable for large-scale industrial projects.
- 2018: The MAIRP achieved certification as a North Carolina Certified Site, indicating its readiness for immediate development with essential infrastructure and environmental clearances in place. This status made it one of the premier rail-served industrial sites in the southeastern United States. WilmingtonBiz
- 2022: The site received the CSX Select Site designation, further enhancing its attractiveness to potential investors by confirming its suitability for rail-served industrial development. CSX
Impact on Surrounding Areas:
The development of the MAIRP is poised to significantly impact several cities and counties in the region:
- Brunswick County: As the host county, Brunswick is expected to experience substantial job creation, population growth, and increased economic activity.
- Leland: Located nearby, Leland anticipates economic benefits, including job opportunities and business expansion, due to its proximity to the megasite.
- Wilmington: As a major city in the region, Wilmington may also see economic benefits, including increased demand for housing and services, as a result of the megasite’s development.
Company Announcements and Agreements:
- Epsilon Advanced Materials (2023): In October 2023, Epsilon Advanced Materials, a global provider of synthetic graphite used in electric vehicle batteries, announced plans to invest $649.9 million to establish a manufacturing facility at the MAIRP. This project is expected to create 500 jobs and will be the company’s first manufacturing facility in the United States. North Carolina Governor
Recent Developments:
- Infrastructure Improvements: To support the development of the MAIRP, significant investments have been made in infrastructure, including road expansions, utility enhancements, and rail access improvements. These developments aim to make the site more attractive to potential investors and facilitate the operations of companies like Epsilon Advanced Materials.
The strategic development of the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park underscores North Carolina’s commitment to fostering economic growth through industrial expansion. The site’s readiness and the significant investments by companies like Epsilon Advanced Materials are set to transform the economic landscape of Brunswick County and its neighboring regions.
Eddie Coleman is the Principal Investment Officer at NC Capital Group. With over 40 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate in North Carolina and South Carolina, his experience spans multifamily, retail, office, historic adaptation, etc. In addition to advising clients and brokering transactions, he has extensive knowledge of North Carolina through experience in corporate site acquisition, development, capitalization, HUD financing, etc. He holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.
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