EDC reports Fukoku investment, site work at Patriot Center and Commonwealth Crossing progress
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Summary
The Martinsville-Henry County EDC reported that Fukoku (Korea) purchased a shell building at the Patriot Center, plans 60 jobs and $19 million investment; site work continues for other announced projects, and Commonwealth Crossing Track 2 grading ($30M) is largely complete with state and foundation grant support.
Economic development officials told the Henry County Board on March 24 that the county has several active private investments and site developments that together signal momentum for industrial recruitment and tourism growth.
Spencer Johnson of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation said Fukoku Korea purchased the Patriot Center Tract 8 shell building (95,000 square feet), announced 60 jobs and roughly $19 million in capital investment, and aims to be operational by year-end. Johnson also reported ongoing site work for Nathan Trotter (a 115,000-square-foot facility expected to create 118 jobs and represent $60 million in capital investment) and reviewed the Commonwealth Crossing Track 2 grading: 200 acres with a 150-acre pad, 3 million cubic yards of material moved, including about 1 million cubic yards of rock; state and foundation grants covered most of the $30 million grading cost.
Tourism staff presented 2024 impact numbers showing roughly $78.2 million in visitor spending in Martinsville and Henry County, an estimated $3.1 million in local tax revenue and approximately 833 supported jobs. EDC staff also highlighted small-business programs (the Briefcase grant, with a March 31 application deadline, and a Y'OPro young-professional networking program) intended to encourage local expansion and retention.
County and EDC staff noted that some of the larger projects are targeting late-2026 operation and emphasized ongoing infrastructure, rail access and readiness as selling points for future prospect recruitment.
