Caterpillar Wants Product Development Center

The town Planning Board is recommending approval of a plan by Caterpillar to build a new Product Development Center on a 252-acre parcel of land near the intersection of NC 42 East and Glen Laurel Road.

A 48,970-sq.ft. two-story building is scheduled to go up first, followed by additional buildings in a second phase of construction. Though no announcement has been made, officials have indicated that the new complex would bring new jobs to the area.

The recommendation has been forwarded to the Town Council, which must approve a Special Use Permit before plans can continue on.

No roads to the parcel exist presently, but the town's Strategic Growth Plan calls for a major thoroughfare through the area which will connect NC 42 to Covered Bridge Road, forming a northern loop around town.