When it comes to attracting large-scale industrial investment, Brunswick County, North Carolina, is making waves. While many regions across the Southeast are competing to host the next big manufacturing or logistics operation, Brunswick stands out with not one, but two adjacent, certified megasites ready for development.

The Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park and the International Logistics Park of North Carolina represent over 2,000 acres of opportunity, positioned directly across from each other along U.S. Highway 74/76 and Future I-74. Together, they form a powerful industrial corridor designed to meet the needs of today’s global manufacturers, logistics firms, and advanced industries.

So, how do Brunswick County’s megasites stack up against other regional options in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia? Let’s take a closer look.

A Dual Megasite Advantage

Most regions are lucky to have one certified megasite. Brunswick County has two, side by side. Each site spans more than 1,000 acres and carries the North Carolina Certified Site designation, which means they’ve already passed rigorous pre-qualification processes including environmental audits, geotechnical studies, and engineered site development plans.

This level of due diligence significantly reduces risk and time for investors. Businesses won’t face the delays and uncertainty often associated with unverified properties. Development here can move quickly and efficiently.

Even better, both sites are zoned Industrial General (IG), the county’s heavy industrial classification. That means most manufacturing and industrial uses are permitted “by right,” and project site plans can be approved in 45 days or less. For companies that need to move fast, that kind of efficiency is a major advantage.

Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park: Rail and Port Access That Compete on a Global Scale

The Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park is tailor-made for companies that rely on multi-modal transport. Its location along U.S. Highway 74/76 (and the future I-74 corridor) provides a direct four-lane route to Interstate 95. Only 65 miles away, I-95 connects Brunswick Couny to major East Coast and Midwest markets.

But what really sets this site apart is its direct rail access. A CSX main rail line runs adjacent to the park, offering seamless connections to the Port of Wilmington, just 25 miles east. That proximity gives manufacturers and logistics operators a clear edge in international trade. Products can move from the factory floor to global markets faster and more cost-effectively than many competing sites can offer.

In addition, the park is only 25 minutes from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and 90 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), giving businesses quick access to both passenger and cargo services. Utilities, including power, gas, water, and wastewater, are available on-site or can be extended according to project timelines.

Simply put, the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park offers the complete package: highway, rail, air, and port connectivity: all within one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.

International Logistics Park of North Carolina: Built for Growth and Global Reach

Directly across the highway, the International Logistics Park of North Carolina mirrors many of these advantages, making the area a dynamic industrial hub with room for expansion. The park adjoins U.S. 74/76 and Future I-74, providing the same strategic connections to Interstate 140, Interstate 40, and Interstate 95, ensuring that goods can move quickly to and from Brunswick County’s coastal and inland markets.

The site has also undergone a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and clearing a key hurdle for large industrial projects. Like its sister site, the International Logistics Park offers reliable access to electricity, gas, water, and wastewater infrastructure, with developers prepared to align utility delivery with construction schedules.

The park’s location, just 25 minutes from Wilmington International Airport and within 90 minutes of Myrtle Beach International, ensures the same level of convenient travel and cargo access. For companies looking for a build-ready site with global reach, this park offers the perfect combination of preparedness and proximity.

Competing Regionally, and Winning

While there are three other megasites in the Tarheel State, none of the others offer easy access to a port, international airports, AND railways.

South Carolina’s two megasites are located inland and don’t have direct port access, while the sites in Virginia pale in size to Brunswick’s two megasites.

Across the Southeast, communities are investing heavily in industrial parks to attract manufacturers, technology firms, and logistics centers. Yet few can match Brunswick County’s combination of location, certification, and coastal quality of life.

Neighboring states may tout their infrastructure, but Brunswick County brings something extra:

  • Certified, shovel-ready megasites that remove risk and accelerate timelines.
  • Dual-site flexibility that allows companies to scale and collaborate within the same industrial corridor.
  • Foreign Trade Zone benefits, reducing import/export costs and streamlining international operations.
  • Unmatched transportation access, with highway, rail, port, and air connections all within close reach.
  • And perhaps most importantly, a pro-business environment with North Carolina’s corporate tax rate, currently 2.5%, the lowest in the nation, on track to drop to 0% by 2029.

Add to that the fact that North Carolina was ranked #1 in CNBC’s “Top States for Business” and #2 for Business Climate by Site Selection Magazine, and it’s clear that Brunswick County competes not just regionally, but nationally.

Why Companies Choose Brunswick County

Beyond the logistics and tax advantages, Brunswick County offers something equally important: a place where business and lifestyle thrive together.

The county is home to more than 200,000 skilled workers, supported by nearby universities and community colleges that provide customized training programs. The region’s workforce is growing fast, just like its population—making it one of the most dynamic areas in the Carolinas.

And when the workday ends, Brunswick delivers a coastal lifestyle that’s second to none. From the beaches and golf courses to its low cost of living and welcoming communities, it’s a place where companies can attract and retain top talent for the long term.

Now’s the Time to Bid on Brunswick

For industries seeking speed, scale, and strategic access, Brunswick County’s dual megasites offer a rare opportunity. The sites are ready. The infrastructure is in place. The future is waiting.

Contact Brunswick BID today to find out how we can help you relocate or expand your business.