Beaufort County commissioners, county and city officials and Committee of 100 members celebrated the start of construction on an industry ready building Monday.

Located on Page Road, the completed building will boast 24,300 square feet across 5-plus acres. The facility is built for flexibility, and it is capable of doubling in size, if needed.

Monday was a much-needed day for the business community in Washington and Beaufort County. It was a positive step in the right direction.

The Committee of 100 has assumed all financial responsibility for the construction, and although the county will be a big partner in the project, it won’t be ultimately responsible for any financial burden. As a couple of businesses have already expressed interest in the site, all parties are hopeful that an industry ready building can be a benefit to all.

Washington (and Beaufort County) needs an industry ready building to show prospective businesses. Economic Development Director Martyn Johnson was right when he said not having available space is a turnoff for these businesses.

Beaufort County has ample land space and a workforce more ready than ever for the manufacturing industry. Especially in light of two major plant closings (both announced within a week) — Parker Hannifin Corp. off of Clark’s Neck Road and Flanders Solutions LLC on Page Road — the county needs to do all it can to bring business back to the area.

Yes, Beaufort County is rural and there are a substantial amount of low-income families. It doesn’t catch the same attention the fast-growing Greenville area does. However, we still have a lot to offer. More and more prospective employees are receiving the education they need every year. Perhaps this endeavor can turn the tide in the county’s favor.

Kudos to all involved with this project. This is a prime example of what can be accomplished when various parties work together.