NCRR to build lead track, switches for foundry relocation in N.C.

Eleven Hopedale residents have managed to put a land agreement with a short line railroader on pause.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry will construct a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Oakboro, N.C., an investment of $325 million. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is a North Carolina-based manufacturer and distributer of cast iron and plastic pipe fittings with seven production facilities across the U.S.

Through the North Carolina Railroad Company’s (NCRR) economic development initiative, NCRR Invests, NCRR is investing approximately $1.5 million to assist with the construction of a railroad industrial lead track and switches, and related infrastructure. The new manufacturing plant will be served by the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railroad with access to both Norfolk Southern and CSX.

“Rail infrastructure is extremely important in attracting high-quality, capital-intensive manufacturers and distributors to our state,” said NCRR President Scott Saylor. “Occasionally those companies need room to expand their site footprint or operation.

“Through NCRR Invests, we are able to assist in addressing the freight rail infrastructure needs of companies like Charlotte Pipe and Foundry in order to retain jobs during this crucial moment for our economy, as well as enable future growth opportunities.”

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry employs 1,050 in Mecklenburg, Union and Stanly counties, with 400 of those to be relocated to the Oakboro, N.C., facility.

NCRR manages 317 miles of track and property stretching from Charlotte to the Port of Morhead City, N.C. NCRR Invests provides assistance to companies that take advantage of the state’s freight rail opportunities and create jobs by locating or expanding their business in North Carolina. The goal of any NCRR investment is to drive job creation and economic growth.

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