FOUR OAKS – The I-95/ I-40 Alliance and Johnston Community College (JCC) hosted the groundbreaking for the JCC Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Four Oaks on March 12. The $35 million 67,000 sq ft facility has been in the works for more than two years and construction of the building is finally underway.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a display of two and half years of collaboration and team work between the I95/ I40 Alliance, Johnston Community College, our existing industries in the region, Johnston County Government and Economic Development, and our partners at the General Assembly. This project, in addition to the Advanced Technology and Biotech Training Center to be located in Dunn, serve as critical pieces in our efforts to provide quality, sustainable job growth in our region. It is no secret that workforce is often the deciding factor for companies considering a new location or expansion and this facility will better position our region to help facilitate that investment and job creation. Collectively, the General Assembly, Johnston County, and the Town of Four Oaks have committed over $35 million for this project since 2021. This project is scheduled to be complete in May of 2025,” Reid Williams President of the I-95/ I-40 Alliance said.
“The top goal for the I-95/I-40 Alliance is to attract quality jobs for Harnett and Johnston counties. Today’s ground breaking for a $35 million dollar work force training center will allow Johnston Community College to expand their Advance Manufacturing Programs and prepare highly trained employees for the future,” according to Harold Keen, Chairman of the Alliance Board of Directors.
Butch Lawter, Chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners commented, “Today is a great day for the people of Johnston County and for those in our neighboring counties, Harnett and Sampson. This $35 million investment in a facility for advanced manufacturing training will attract industries with well paying jobs and provide life changing opportunities for our citizens. This is another step forward in the Commissioners’ commitment to industrial recruitment and development along the I-95 corridor. It is also a successful collaboration of Johnston and Harnett Counties, Four Oaks and Dunn, Johnston and Central Carolina Community Colleges, and our state legislative delegation.”
“The Town of Four Oaks is excited to have partnered with the I-95/ I-40 Crossroads of America Alliance and Johnston Community College to announce the economic work force development center. This center will allow our citizens the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful and prepared for the higher paying manufacturing jobs throughout Johnston County. Investments like this one, will allow our future generations to live, work and play in Four Oaks,” said Four Oaks Mayor Vic Medlin.
Many local dignitaries were present for the ceremonial groundbreaking along with officials from Becton Dickinson, Grifols, Novo Nordisk, Johnston Community College, Goldenleaf Foundation, NC State University, and NC Community College system leadership. A total of approximately 120 people attended the event.
