Tag Archive for: #franklincountyeconomicdevelopment

Wire And Cable Maker Expanding Operations In Franklin County

/by

An electrical wire and cable company is expanding its operations by relocating to a building at the US 1 North Commerce Center in Franklin County.

Southwire, North America’s leading manufacturer of wire and cables used in transmission and distribution of electricity, is relocating to a new 170,000 square foot facility to enable the company to increase production and provide continued employment for more than 200 current team members as part of the company’s overall modernization strategy, according to information from Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks III.

“Southwire is committed to a multi-year modernization investment of more than $1.5 billon across our footprint,” said Norman Adkins, Southwire’s president and chief operating officer. “We are integrating newer and better equipment, systems and technology into our operations to increase efficiency, enhance competitiveness and ensure the operational capability and capacity to support our strategic growth. We are incredibly proud of the growth our business has shown in Youngsville. This new facility will not only accommodate our ever-expanding operations but will also allow us to innovate and enhance our production capabilities for the future.”

The Franklin County facility supports the company’s Engineered Solutions business through the production and assembly of both made-to-stock and custom-ordered products for some of the company’s largest customers.

“We are thrilled by Southwire’s decision to remain in Franklin County,” said Barbara Fiedor, Franklin County’s economic development director. “The company’s presence here is highly valued as both an employer and community partner. Southwire’s decision demonstrates the county’s dedication to working with Summit Real Estate Group to construct the US 1 North Commerce Center, which has provided the much-needed new industrial space, allowing companies like Southwire to stay in Franklin County and continue to make significant positive economic development impacts.”

Southwire is another business to join US 1 North Commerce Center’s portfolio of businesses which saw the addition of PlanITROI last year.

“Southwire’s decision to remain in Franklin County validates the thriving business environment we have created here,” said Ryan Preble, Franklin County’s interim county manager. “Their investment not only retains existing jobs but also strengthens our community. Having a major employer renew their commitment provides increased economic benefits.”

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the facility is anticipated to take place in April 2025. For more news or information on Southwire, visit www.southwire.com.

Alyssa Blair Joins Franklin Co. Economic Development Dept.

/by

Alyssa Blair is joining Franklin County’s Economic Development Department as an economic development specialist.

Blair begins her new role in Franklin County on Feb. 5, following more than four years with the City of Oxford, where she had most recently worked as the city’s downtown development director.

“I am thrilled to join a strong, developing team and to not only work alongside dedicated individuals but to also serve the Franklin County community,” Blair said in a press release issued Tuesday by Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III.

In her role as downtown development director, Blair oversaw the NC Main Street Program in Oxford and had also been executive director of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation. Before that, she was a communications specialist for the city.

“The diverse experience Alyssa brings will be of great value to our business community and the economic development initiatives for Franklin County,” said Franklin County Economic Development Director Barbara Fiedor. “We are excited she will be joining our team and look forward to her arrival.”

Blair has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a dual master’s degree in public administration and conflict management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Konstanz in Germany. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill.