The Chatham-Siler City Megasite

Our take: This manufacturing-oriented site is in the center among Greensboro, Raleigh/Durham, Asheboro, Burlington and Fayetteville. A new industrial employer at this site would increase demand for housing and retail in the surrounding smaller cities such as: Siler City, Burlington, Pittsboro, and Liberty.

The Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing Site (CAM Site) is a significant industrial development located in Siler City, Chatham County, North Carolina. Spanning over 1,800 acres, this site has been meticulously prepared to attract large-scale manufacturing and industrial investments, aiming to boost economic growth in the region.

Development History:

• Early 2000s: Recognizing the need for large, ready-to-develop industrial sites, Chatham County, in collaboration with the Town of Siler City, began efforts to identify and prepare land suitable for substantial industrial projects.
• 2016: The CAM Site achieved a significant milestone by completing environmental assessments and obtaining necessary certifications, designating it as a “shovel-ready” site. This status indicated that the site was prepared for immediate development, with essential infrastructure and environmental clearances in place. Chatham Journal
• 2020: The Chatham Economic Development Corporation launched a new website for the CAM Site, enhancing its digital presence to attract potential investors and companies. Chatham Environmental Corp.

Impact on Surrounding Areas:

The development of the CAM Site is poised to significantly impact several cities and counties in the region:

• Chatham County: As the host county, Chatham is expected to experience substantial job creation, population growth, and increased economic activity.
• Siler City: The town will directly benefit from infrastructure improvements, business growth, and enhanced community services resulting from the site’s development.
• Neighboring Counties: Counties such as Randolph, Alamance, and Lee may also see economic benefits, including job opportunities and business expansion, due to their proximity to the CAM Site.

Company Announcements and Agreements:

• Wolfspeed Inc. (2022): In September 2022, Wolfspeed, a leader in silicon carbide semiconductor manufacturing, announced plans to invest approximately $5 billion to establish a new manufacturing facility at the CAM Site. This project is expected to create over 1,800 jobs by 2030, with an average annual salary of $77,753. The facility will produce silicon carbide materials for use in electric vehicles, 5G networks, and renewable energy applications. Chatham Environmental Corp.
• Innovative Construction Group (ICG) (2024): In April 2024, ICG announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility at the CAM Site, subject to final approvals. The company intends to invest approximately $39.8 million and create up to 157 jobs over the next five years. ICG specializes in housing component manufacturing, and this facility will support the growing demand for residential construction in the region. Chatham Environmental Corp.

Recent Developments:

• Federal Support (2024): In October 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced preliminary terms to provide up to $750 million in funding to Wolfspeed under the CHIPS and Science Act. This funding aims to support the construction of Wolfspeed’s new facility at the CAM Site, reinforcing the U.S. position in semiconductor manufacturing. Chatham Environmental Corp.

The strategic development of the Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing Site underscores North Carolina’s commitment to fostering economic growth through industrial expansion. The site’s readiness and the significant investments by companies like Wolfspeed and ICG are set to transform the economic landscape of Chatham County and its neighboring regions.