Ball Corporation is set to invest $383 million in a new beverage production hub in Concord, Cabarrus County. Governor Roy Cooper announced that the global aluminum packaging company will create 220 jobs as part of this venture. Ball Corporation will join Red Bull and Rauch in this project, with the three companies collectively investing over $1 billion by 2027, generating more than 600 jobs at an average wage of $57,393.
Ball Corporation, headquartered in Colorado, is recognized for its recyclable aluminum packaging solutions for beverages and aerosols. Established in 1880, the company operates over 60 production facilities worldwide with a workforce of 21,500 employees. The new facility in Concord will span 800,000 square feet and focus on manufacturing aluminum cans for Red Bull and other clients.
The new positions at Ball Corporation will have an average annual salary of $70,555, resulting in an annual payroll impact exceeding $15.5 million. This compares to Cabarrus County's overall average annual wage of $41,255.
Concord Mayor Bill Dusch expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Ball Corporation to the city: "Their partnership with Red Bull and Rauch further enhances the diverse opportunities and high-quality jobs available to our residents." Steve Morris, Chair of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, praised Ball Corporation as "recognized for innovation and strong support of communities where they operate."
The expansion is supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by North Carolina's Economic Investment Committee. This grant allows potential reimbursement to Ball Corporation up to $3,084,000 over 12 years based on new tax revenues from the project.
Cabarrus County and the City of Concord plan public hearings next month regarding performance-based property tax grants linked to increased tax value. These grants are contingent upon meeting performance goals and full tax payments by recipients.
The Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (EDC) worked alongside several organizations to establish this beverage campus in Concord. Partners included Cabarrus County, City of Concord, North Carolina General Assembly, among others.
Dubbed "Project Aquamarine," discussions began in August 2020 between EDC officials and company representatives. The collaboration addressed various logistical needs such as utility demand and infrastructure requirements.
Governor Cooper recently visited Concord to announce that Red Bull and Rauch would construct a state-of-the-art beverage production hub at The Grounds at Concord—the former site of Philip Morris plant—which also hosts ventures like Carvana and GoldenHome. Over 1,000 acres remain available for future development on this property.
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