Commissioners approve sale and incentive package for ‘Project Kwee’ at Job Ready Shell Building No. 4

Cleveland County commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 15 to authorize the sale of Job Ready Shell Building No. 4 and to approve a five-year, 20% local incentive to support a prospective company identified as 'Project Kwee.'

Economic development staff Courtney Ashley told the board the prospect plans to create 113 jobs averaging about $62,000 in annual wages and listed a capital investment figure presented as approximately $286.5 million over four years. Ashley said CCEDP recommends entering a contract to sell the building for $10,000,000 and supporting a five-year incentive at 20% of the current county tax rate. Ashley noted a numerical summary on the presentation's bottom line needed correction; another participant indicated a total closer to $291,006,000 in cumulative investment figures (Courtney Ashley; Chair exchange).

After the required public hearing — which drew no public speakers — a motion to accept the sale and incentive was made and carried unanimously. Commissioners discussed that the city has separately approved the sale price and that a 60-day due-diligence period remains before a public announcement identifying the buyer; the board expects next steps and an announcement after due diligence concludes.

The board did not specify additional financial contingencies during the vote; county staff said the incentive uses the current local tax rate and is structured as a five-year grant at 20% of that rate. The action authorizes the sale and incentive resolution; final contractual details, incentive calculations, and any required interlocal cooperation with the city will be completed during the due-diligence and contracting phase.