Groundbreaking starts Steel 70 Industrial in Clayton; officials cite $50 million investment and local jobs

Clayton, North Carolina — Local officials and development partners gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction on Steel 70 Industrial, which speakers described as a $50,000,000 investment expected to bring new jobs and economic activity to Clayton and Johnston County.

Will Stamatakos, project manager with Arco Design Build, opened the program and introduced event speakers. "Without further ado, I'd like to introduce mister Joe Stallings," Stamatakos said, beginning a program of remarks from officials and developers.

"A $50,000,000 investment like this reflects confidence in Clayton, confidence in our location, our leadership, the direction we're headed in as a community," said Jody McLeod, mayor of Clayton. McLeod emphasized that the project, called Steel 70 Industrial, is intended to produce "high quality, well paying jobs" and bolster long‑term community stability and economic growth.

County Commissioner Butch Slaughter said the development reflects the region's workforce strength and helps keep workers local. "With more opportunities like this, people like me don't have to drive to Wake County or some other county to work," Slaughter said, adding that the project helps "turn the cars around."

Tim Witherman of Arco Design Build thanked the town and county for their ongoing support and described Steel 70 as a market‑appropriate industrial product designed for efficient operations. He introduced Austin of Blue Steel Development, who thanked local leaders and said the project had generated "tons of interest" in its first three weeks.

Speakers at the ceremony repeatedly thanked Blue Steel Development and Arco and noted local partners that assisted with the project’s planning. Organizers described the event as a milestone in attracting industrial investment and supporting Clayton’s long‑term strategy to expand its commercial base alongside residential growth.

No formal votes, motions, or regulatory actions were recorded during the ceremony. Participants framed the event as a project milestone and community celebration rather than a decision meeting. The program concluded after developers and officials delivered brief remarks and the group closed the ceremony.