Union County makes plans for new industrial park. Here’s where they could spend $2M
Union County is considering purchasing land that could bring and industrial park north of Wingate.
On Monday, Union County’s board of commissioners held a public hearing for the purchase of nearly 40 acres of land off Austin Cheney Road. The purchase would cost the county $2 million.
The proposed location of the industrial park would be near Monroe Expressway — a major road and just minutes from Wingate University. It is also across the street from land purchased to create a food innovation center (formerly known as BARN), a county initiative to create agricultural jobs, support sustainable businesses and address food insecurity.
The county will petition for annexation and rezoning for a light industrial district, according to deputy county manager Patrick Niland. It’s proximity to the expressway opens doors for economic opportunity, Niland said.
Liz Cooper, a spokesperson for Union County, said the approval of this land purchase would attract manufactoring and high quality business investment. Its expected to create high paying jobs and help diversify the county’s tax base.
It’s unclear what will anchor and be located inside the industrial park, when it will be completed or when county commissioners will vote for its final approval.
No residents participated in the public hearing.
This story was originally published March 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM.