IDB reports $3.5M grant for spec building; Buildx Modular announces 110 jobs, $23.3M investment in Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. — The Lincoln County Industrial Development Board (IDB) reported Aug. 19 that it has secured a $3.5 million grant to fund construction of a 100,800‑square‑foot speculative industrial building and that Buildx Modular Tennessee LLC plans to locate modular manufacturing and distribution operations in Fayetteville, officials told the county commission.

The IDB update, delivered to the commission by Commissioner Daniel Eldridge as a substitute for Commissioner Doug Cunningham, summarized recent business outreach, workforce and childcare efforts and industrial site activity. Eldridge said the $3.5 million grant will fund construction of a 100,800‑square‑foot spec building on the last available industrial lot at Runway Center, with construction expected to finish by March 2026.

"IDB was recently awarded a 3 and a half million dollar grant to fund construction of a 100,800 square foot spec building on the only remaining available industrial lot in Runway Center. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2026," Eldridge told the commission.

Eldridge also reported that Buildx Modular will establish off‑site modular manufacturing and distribution operations under the ModMax brand in Fayetteville. "Buildx modular will create a 110 new jobs and invest $23,300,000 in Fayetteville, Tennessee," he said.

Why it matters: A new spec building increases Lincoln County’s inventory for potential industrial occupants; the IDB reported that the previous six spec buildings attracted about 1,100 jobs and $150 million in capital investment. The Buildx Modular announcement represents a private investment with an employment commitment that could affect local hiring, supplier relationships and utility and transportation planning.

Other IDB items reported - Childcare: IDB worked with local businesses on childcare availability and said Kid Magic Learning Center will open soon; an interest form is available for updates, tours and enrollment. - Workforce engagement: The IDB continues to hold bi‑monthly meetings for plant managers and HR directors and arranges site tours, including a visit to Oak Ridge National Laboratory to explore research partnerships. - Spec building market: The IDB said it has a history of marketing and selling spec buildings pre‑completion and continues to field interest in the newly funded project.

What commissioners heard Eldridge noted that the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development assigns county tier levels that affect grant match requirements; because an Austin Consulting site visit certified IDB sites under the Select Tennessee program, Lincoln County’s grant match requirement was reduced from 30% to 15% for eligible grants, he said.

What’s next IDB staff and county officials will continue site marketing and coordinate construction timelines. The commission did not take a formal vote on the announcements; staff and IDB will return with project specifics and any required approvals for county action.

Quote provided "The previous 6 spec buildings have resulted in 1,100 new jobs and a $150,000,000 in capital investment in our community," Eldridge said, highlighting the IDB's prior outcomes as context for the new grant and project.

Reported figures in this article reflect figures supplied in the board update to the commission.