Our take: A CSX Select rail site located east of Raleigh in an opportunity zone near I-95, the site is attractive for industrial and manufacturing. Occupation of this site would impact the nearby ex-urban towns of Rocky Mount, Tarboro, and Wilson, with increase demand for apartments and bread-and-butter retail.
The Kingsboro CSX Select Megasite, located in Edgecombe County near Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is a strategically developed industrial area designed to attract large-scale manufacturing and industrial investments. Spanning approximately 2,187 acres, this site has undergone significant development to become a “shovel-ready” location for major industrial projects.
Development History:
- Early 2000s: Recognizing the need for large, ready-to-develop industrial sites, Edgecombe County, in collaboration with the City of Rocky Mount and the Carolinas Gateway Partnership, began efforts to identify and prepare land suitable for substantial industrial projects.
- 2014: The Kingsboro site achieved the CSX Select Site designation, 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. CSX
Impact on Surrounding Areas:
The development of the Kingsboro Megasite is poised to significantly impact several cities and counties in the region:
- Edgecombe County: As the host county, Edgecombe is expected to experience substantial job creation, population growth, and increased economic activity.
- City of Rocky Mount: Located nearby, Rocky Mount anticipates economic benefits, including job opportunities and business expansion, due to its proximity to the megasite.
- Neighboring Counties: Nash County and Wilson County may also see economic benefits due to their proximity to the Kingsboro Megasite.
Company Announcements and Agreements:
- Triangle Tyre (2017): In December 2017, China-based Triangle Tyre announced plans to invest $580 million to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility at the Kingsboro Megasite, aiming to create 800 jobs. However, this project was later canceled in 2022 due to trade tensions and other challenges. Business North Carolina
- Natron Energy (2024): In August 2024, Natron Energy, a U.S.-based manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, announced plans to invest $1.4 billion to establish a giga-factory at the Kingsboro Megasite, creating more than 1,000 jobs. This facility will be the first sodium-ion battery giga-factory in the United States, enhancing the region’s position in the clean energy sector. North Carolina Governor
Recent Developments:
- Infrastructure Improvements: To support the development of the Kingsboro Megasite, 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 Natron Energy.
The strategic development of the Kingsboro CSX Select Megasite underscores North Carolina’s commitment to fostering economic growth through industrial expansion. The site’s readiness and the significant investments by companies like Natron Energy are set to transform the economic landscape of Edgecombe County and its neighboring regions.
Doug has held income properties in North Carolina for more than 20 years. He holds a North Carolina broker’s license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association. A lifelong learner, he holds an MBA and a PhD in business, and continues his education by attending meetings of the Society of Exchange Counselors and the National Counsel of Exchangors. In addition to his extensive real estate activities, Doug enjoyed a successful career in academia, achieving the rank of Full Professor in the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington. He was honored with research and teaching awards, served as Director of the MS Computer Science and Information Systems program, and was awarded the endowed position Distinguished Professor of Information Systems.
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