020617 I Project MightyClosed Session I — Project Mighty February 6, 2017
At 7:59 p.m., the Board convened closed session on a matter relating to the location or
expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4). Commissioners
Allen, Frye, Haywood, McDowell and Kidd were present. Also present were County Manager
Hal Johnson; Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer; County Attorney Ben
Morgan; Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney; Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board;
Randolph County EDC Existing Industry and Business Coordinator Kevin Franklin, and
Randolph County EDC President Bonnie Renfro.
Randolph County EDC President Bonnie Renfro said an apparel and textile manufacturing
company based in Sri Lanka is considering an acquisition of Acme McCrary's business operations
under a new subsidiary to be formed. The new company would focus on clothing manufacturing,
product design and development and warehousing at existing operations in Asheboro, Siler City
and Honduras.
MAS International is a $1.6 billion conglomerate that employs 79,000 people in 48
manufacturing facilities in 15 countries. Customers are Nike, Lululemon, Polo Ralph Lauren, and
Columbia. Approximately 300 new jobs would be added over five years with 133 of the jobs
having an average annual wage that qualify for NC discretionary incentives programs. The
company is requesting consideration of local incentives as well. She said significant facility and
equipment upgrades would be required at the Pritchard Street facility they intend to lease. They
may also lease a portion of the North Street plant for support operations but Acme will retain
ownership of all the real property. Sapona Manufacturing is not any part of the transaction. The
gym and ballfield may be transferred to the City of Asheboro because of restrictions put on those
facilities many years ago. The City of Asheboro currently maintains the McCrary ballfield
anyway.
The project would be considered for a $575,000 One NC grant from the State. The grant
requires the City of Asheboro and Randolph County match 50% ($150,000 each) of the grant over
four years.
Ms. Renfro asked that the Board consider setting a public hearing for March 13, 2017, at 6:30
p.m. to discuss a grant match economic incentive.
At 8:21 p.m., closed session ended on this topic.
David Allen, Chairman
Stan Haywood
Maxton McDowell
Darrell L. Frye
Kenny Kidd
Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board