Cabarrus Today

A new beverage manufacturing, filling, and distribution campus is set to be established in Concord, North Carolina. The project represents an investment exceeding $740 million and promises to create over 400 jobs with an average wage of $50,377. This initiative marks the largest economic development announcement in Cabarrus County's history.

The project is a collaboration between Red Bull and Rauch North America. It includes plans for a 2 million-square-foot beverage production hub at The Grounds at Concord, the former site of the Philip Morris plant. The hub will feature Red Bull’s 800,000-square-foot regional distribution center, expected to generate 90 jobs within a year with an average wage of $50,367. Additionally, Rauch North America will operate a can-filling facility spanning 1.4 million square feet that will create 323 jobs over three years with an average wage of $50,387. These wages surpass the county's average wage of $41,255.

"These companies are bringing substantial investment and excellent jobs to our community," said Page Castrodale, Executive Director of the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (EDC). "The Grounds at Concord has attracted a lot of interest over the years and we knew there was tremendous potential on that site."

The announcement was celebrated by state and local officials in downtown Concord at the Cabarrus Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Speakers included N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper, N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Sanders, Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris, and Concord Mayor Bill Dusch.

Steve Morris remarked on the historical significance: “I’m sure many in our community remember the Philip Morris expansion announcement in 1991... None of us could have imagined that we’d be here in 2021 talking about that same property being home to the largest economic development investment in the history of Cabarrus County.”

The location choice for this operation was supported by state Job Development Investment Grants (JDIG), which provide up to $4.1 million over 12 years if performance targets are met. The project's anticipated economic impact on North Carolina is estimated at $1.8 billion during this period.

Public hearings regarding performance-based property tax grants linked to increased tax value are scheduled next month by Cabarrus County and the City of Concord.

Cabarrus EDC collaborated with various organizations including Cabarrus County, City of Concord, North Carolina General Assembly among others to bring this project to fruition.

Referred to as "Project Aquamarine," discussions about this venture began in August 2020 according to Castrodale who noted efforts addressing utility demand and infrastructure needs among other factors throughout last year.

Concord Mayor Bill Dusch expressed optimism: “We are excited to welcome these companies... With this historic investment... it is only beginning – with Concord’s quality life... we look forward even more investments expansions future.”

The campus joins existing ventures like Carvana GoldenHome still leaving ample space available property future developments continue energizing redevelopment former Philip Morris property.