GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Greensboro-Randolph Megasite could be a top contender in the fight for a Toyota-Mazda electric car plant, according to commercial site selection experts.
John Boyd works with large corporations across North America to select the best place to set up shop. He is based in Princeton, New Jersey, but has done business in North Carolina for years. Some of his clients include Chevron and Boeing.
Although he is not affiliated with this particular project, he says North Carolina is on the short list for the joint project for Toyota and Mazda, and that the Triad Megasite in particular is highly attractive to the car manufacturers.
"We expect Toyota and Mazda to look at that site very, very carefully. It is one of the most attractive sites in the Southeast today," Boyd said.
Toyota and Mazda announced earlier this year the $1.6 billion dollar automobile manufacturing plant will bring about 4,000 jobs.
There are no auto manufacturing plants in North Carolina, but Boyd says that could be a plus in this case. He believes out of the other Megasites North Carolina has, the Greensboro-Randolph location will win out if our state is selected.
"North Carolina has an improved business climate, the cloud of H.B. 2 has finally lifted, the state recently recalibrated its incentive program, it has cut taxes and regulations, and it is well primed to compete in a battle for economic development projects," said Boyd, "[The Greensboro-Randolph Megasite] itself is serviced by rail. It's approximate to five ocean ports to get good and products in and out. The highway infrastructure is terrific and is close to a number of highly regarded colleges and universities."
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