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Consider a Step 2 Economic Development Incentive Grant Request to Safe Fire Detection, Inc. (Project Smokey)
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ron Mahle, Economic Development, Director, 980-476-5279
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Award a Step 2 Economic Development Incentive Grant to Safe Fire Detection, Inc. (Project Smokey) in an amount not-to-exceed $141,000 over a five-year period; and 2) authorize the County Manager to i) negotiate and execute an agreement substantially consistent with this agenda item, ii) exercise any renewal or extension term options set forth in the Agreement, and iii) terminate the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of the County, each in the County Manager's discretion.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item # 25-604 - Public Hearing Held
BACKGROUND:
The Union County Economic Development Department started conversations with Safe Fire Detection, Inc under codename Project Smokey in 2023 about the potential relocation of their manufacturing operation from Indian Trail, NC, to a 10-acre parcel located within the Piedmont Innovation Industrial Park off Goldmine Road or a 14-acre parcel located in the Monroe Corporate Center. The company is considering the purchase of either the 10-acre parcel or the 14-acre parcel, the construction of a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility, and the purchase and installation of new production equipment. Total capital investment is approximately $10,000,000.
Safe Fire Detection, Inc. is a manufacturer of advanced fire detection systems for several key industry sectors including nuclear power, electric utilities, Petro-chemical, and space exploration. The company opened its doors in 1985 in Indian Trail. They have grown to employ 25 people, of whom 16 are Union County residents.
The company is at capacity at its current location and needs a building and land large enough to accommodate future business growth. The purchase of either parcel and the construction of ...
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