Benson, a small town in North Carolina, is about to change its future. Known for welcoming Mule Days, a festival celebrating its farming history, Benson is now gearing up to become a hub for rare-earth magnets, crucial components in modern tech from smartphones to submarines.
Located near key highways, Benson caught the eye of Vulcan Elements, a startup from Research Triangle Park. They’re set to build a massive plant in Benson, part of a significant $918 million project backed by the Pentagon. This factory could create around 1,000 jobs, which is a big deal for a town of just under 5,000 people.
North Carolina has been attracting businesses, thanks to its strong universities and lower corporate tax rates. Benson’s residents have long hoped that economic growth would reach them. But to compete with nearby regions, Benson needed something more than just location. They needed a ready-to-go facility, a “turn-key site,” to showcase to potential employers.
They made that happen a couple of years ago with the Crosspoint Logistics Center, a 500,000 square-foot industrial space now standing in town. This gave local leaders like Chris Johnson, Johnston County’s economic development director, a solid case to present to companies looking for a place to set up shop.
In recent times, Johnston County has seen a surge in job creation. The number of employed residents hit a record 124,000 earlier this year, a jump of about 15% from last year, the largest increase since 1990. This uptick offers a promising talent pool for new employers.
Vulcan Elements was especially drawn to the local workforce, which includes veterans from nearby Fort Bragg who are skilled in operating machinery and managing supply chains. This kind of expertise was a key reason why Vulcan decided on Benson over other candidates, like Indiana and Ohio.
The company is stepping up as the U.S. looks to boost its own supply chain for rare-earth materials, which are mostly sourced from China. Recent federal investments, like a $1.4 billion deal to support Vulcan, aimed to produce up to 10,000 metric tons of magnets in the coming years. With the world increasingly dependent on these resources, there’s a strong push for domestic production.
Benson is eager for this wave of growth. Its financial struggles in the past — highlighted in a recent audit revealing budget deficits — could finally ease. With Vulcan’s investment, the town hopes to enhance services and attract more businesses. Mayor Max Raynor described the project as “the biggest thing that ever happened to us,” believing it will bring diversity and development.
Community members, like Paul Boucher, who owns a local travel agency, see a bright future. Boucher has already invested in renovating downtown buildings, confident in Benson’s growth potential. He’s excited about the new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
Benson’s charm lies in its balance of preserving the past — like repurposing historic buildings — while eagerly stepping into a new era. As the town welcomes Vulcan, it stands at the cusp of transformation, ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.
In summary, Benson’s journey from a farming town to a tech manufacturing center with the arrival of Vulcan Elements illustrates a remarkable shift. With a focus on community growth, skilled labor, and strategic investments, Benson could set a blueprint for small towns aiming to harness modern industry.
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