High Point council approves incentive for Project Fern, a Beaufern manufacturing lease that will add 57 jobs

The High Point City Council approved a financial incentive for Project Fern, a proposed Beaufern manufacturing and upholstery operation that will renovate an existing building at 1005 West Fairfield Road and create new jobs in the city.

City staff recommended the incentive during a public hearing, and the council voted to approve the award after the public hearing closed.

Peter Bishop, Economic Development Director, told the council the company plans to lease the former Murrows Transfer building and invest about $930,000 in leasehold improvements over five years. "This will be a manufacturing, finishing, and upholstery operation," Bishop said, describing on-site activities. Staff said the project is expected to create 57 new jobs that will average just under $47,000 per year. Staff recommended a total incentive of $45,600 over the incentive period, citing the council-approved job-creation policy for the South High Point area and the company’s leasehold investment.

Bishop also said all utilities for the site — electric, water and sewer — will be provided by the city. The city received no public speakers for or against the proposal during the hearing. After staff’s presentation and the applicant’s request for a decision, Mayor Pro Tem Moore moved to approve the incentive award; Councilmember Johnson seconded. The motion carried with the ayes recorded and no opposition stated on the record.

Council action was limited to approval of the incentive award; no other contract terms or additional city commitments were finalized in the meeting.