ROCKINGHAM — Global Packaging is getting closer to moving into its new facility on N.C. 177 in Hamlet.
County Manager Bryan Land told the Richmond County Board of Commissioners on Monday that officials from Myrick Construction say an occupancy permit is expected by the end of the week.
Land added that site cleanup should be finished by the end of the month.
“This project has been a great success story for Richmond County,” Land said.
In February of 2020, the county secured a $75,000 rural demolition grant from the N.C. Department of Commerce Rural Infrastructure Authority to clear the site of the former Tartan Yachts manufacturing facility for future use.
Built in the 1950s, the Hamlet plant was the second site for Tartan, which was based in Grand River, Ohio, according to the company’s website. A downturn in the marine industry in the late ‘80s resulted in manufacturing being consolidated in Ohio.
The property, at the entrance of the Marks Creek Industrial park, was “a major blight for decades,” Land said.
But now: “It’s a beautiful site — truly a 180-degree turnaround from its previous state.”
Economic Developer Martie Butler previously told the RO that Butler said the new facility will feature more than 100,000 square feet, to be completed in several phases and is part of the company’s $5 million investment into the community. In the past six years, Global Packaging has created 40 jobs.
TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS
Dr. Dale McInnis, president of Richmond Community College, told commissioners Tuesday that the institution is currently working with a number of companies across the county — including Plastek, Global Packaging, Cascades and Therafirm — to provide customized training for employees.
For its role in the partnerships, McInnis said the college helps the companies “find the talent, retain the talent and train the talent they need to be successful.”
As for finding those employees, RichmondCC is hosting two upcoming job fairs.
The first is Oct. 6 at Cole Auditorium, for jobs that pay $15 or more per hour, according to McInnis.
There will be another event Oct. 21 for healthcare jobs across the region.
In the last two years, McInnis said the college has had to make adjustments to its nursing programs.
This past year there were only 28 nursing graduates compared to around 40 two years prior.
However, McInnis said there is a large group of first-year nursing students currently enrolled.
“There’s a huge demand for nurses and we’re trying to help meet that need,” McInnis said.
Commissioner Rick Watkins applauded McInnis for the college’s partnerships with local industry.
“Hopefully everyone realizes what a valuable asset Richmond Community College is for us here, locally, in so many ways,” Watkins said. “I thank you for the work that you’re doing with our partners in the business community on the economic development front in terms of training workers for them and helping them fill those spots and get people to those facilities so they’re able to have a good solid workforce.”
INDUSTRY APPRECIATION
Richmond County’s manufacturers will be honored Oct. 21 during the 24th annual Industry Appreciation event.
“This event is always highly attended by our local industries and their staff,” Land said. “It’s kind of our way of giving back one evening to everyone that contributes to economic development in Richmond County.”
While Land didn’t say what was on the menu, the 2019 event was an oyster roast.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Richmond County Airport.
Land also took time to promote the second annual Raffle at the Rock slated for Oct. 2, prior to the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce’s Hoptoberfest.
This year’s event is planned to be live, unlike last year’s which was streamed online due to COVID-19.
The 25 remaining prizes include 5 rifles of different models, a shotgun, a Polaris Sportsman, a John Deere Gator and a John Deere zero-turn mower. Several cash prizes of $500 and $1,000 are also up for grabs.
Land said there were two Early Bird cash drawings held Sept. 3. with Curtis Leviner of Hamlet winning $1,500 and Michael Odom of Rockingham receiving $1,000.
There are only 1,000 tickets being sold at $100 each.
Proceeds from the raffle go toward the Richmond County Economic Development Corporation “to spur growth and development in Richmond County.”
To purchase tickets, call 910-997-8190 or visit the Economic Development website.
