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Economic development director: 2.1 million square feet of Class A industrial space planned in Harnett County
Summary
Harnett County economic development staff reported about 2.1 million square feet of Class A industrial buildings planned, over 350 acres market-ready for industrial use, recent corporate acquisitions affecting local firms, and timeline expectations for the Harnett 95 project.
HARNETT COUNTY — Economic development staff told the Board of Commissioners the county now has roughly 2.1 million square feet of planned Class A industrial space and more than 350 acres that are market-ready for industrial development.
Steven Barrington, an economic development staff member, said the county is “delighted” by the increase in available properties and noted the number of market-ready sites has allowed the county to pursue more project leads. Barrington cited two recent ownership changes affecting local firms: Scribe Pharmaceuticals was purchased by Dynamic Biologics (a New Jersey-based buyer), and ILC Dover was acquired by Ingersoll Rand. Barrington said both companies will continue operations under their existing names and continue work in the biopharma and related manufacturing spaces.
Barrington said the county is in early conversations with owners on roughly 830 acres of potentially marketable land and is working with the town of Lillington on due diligence for a site referenced as the Bird site. He provided a timeline for a project labeled Harnett 95, saying the new building is in planning and design and that contractors anticipate moving dirt by April and aiming for building completion in the fourth quarter of the calendar year.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about where the ready buildings are located (Barrington said much of the new space is in the Dunn area), about potential jobs from the projects, and about property conditions near Exit 71 that might affect marketability. Barrington said the county is marketing the properties and is partnering with private developers Samet and Edgewater Ventures on projects off Interstate 95.
Barrington also highlighted increased outreach and marketing — including videos and newsletters — and said peers across the state have sought to learn from Harnett County’s work. The county’s economic development staff said they will continue due diligence and follow-up with the board on specific projects as negotiations advance.
