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Susan Squires, Beaufort County’s Economic Development Director, shared what’s in store for the county in the coming year which includes expanding the manufacturing sector and the completion of the Aurora Industrial Park. 

In 2023, the Daily News published a similar article asking then director, Brad Hufford, what he hoped to accomplish in the coming years. 

Those goals included re-establishing an economic development advisory committee, bringing new business into existing buildings that were not in use in addition to asking current companies to expand into unused buildings. 

Another goal was to advertise the Beaufort County Industrial Park and the Chocowinity rail site while making plans to bring an industrial park in Aurora to fruition. 

Too, he wanted to support Washington-Warren Airport and watch Beaufort County’s workforce population grow. 

Two years later, the economic development office can place a tick mark next to most of Hufford’s goals. 

Squires shared that the re-established advisory committee meets bi-monthly. It is chaired by Beaufort County Commissioner Ed Booth. Commissioner Stan Deatherage will be joining the committee this year. Meetings are open to the public and the next one is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. in the Commissioners Room (136 W. 2nd Street, Washington). 

In discussing new business that has come to Beaufort County, Squires said ProtoTech Manufacturing and BTW Global have opened new locations in the area since 2023. In November of 2024, PharMercia broke ground on their new 20,000 sq ft facility in the Washington-Beaufort County Industrial Park. 

“Beaufort County is a strong center of manufacturing with several industry clusters consisting of boat building, metal fabrication and air filtration. Although we welcome any type of industry, we would like to expand on our robust manufacturing sector and focus on helping our existing industry partners who already call Beaufort County home,” Squires said. “Pivotal to all industry is a skilled, trained, ready workforce. We collaborate with Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Community College to create and maintain workforce talent.” 

In regard to available workforce housing, she said, “Our office recognizes that housing is an issue not only in Beaufort County, but throughout the nation. Beaufort County strives to ensure the permitting and development process in unincorporated areas is straightforward and expeditious.” 

Lastly, Squires provided an update on the Aurora Industrial Park. Nearing completion, “the park was recently paved with utility infrastructure in the works.” Several lots have been sold and Beaufort County Community College is building a satellite campus in the park. “ In addition to customized training for Nutrien employees and contractors, the location will offer adult education options such as GED, ESL and other courses,” she said. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the Aurora Industrial Park is planned for this year. Squires did not provide an exact date.