Cement Manufacturing Site Selection

Construction in the Carolinas is growing faster than in any other part of the U.S. That growth is creating a greater demand for suppliers to the construction industry and a significant increase in cement manufacturing site selection activity. The Carolinas provide excellent access to Southeastern markets. Within 300 miles (500 km) of the Carolinas’ borders is a population of more than 40 million, including growing Southeastern metropolitan centers such as Charlotte, N.C., Columbia, S.C., Atlanta, Ga., Richmond, Va., and Jacksonville, Fla. The Carolinas are an ideal choice for companies involved in cement industry site selection.

Duke Energy offers one of the most powerful site selection tools available. For companies involved in cement manufacturing site selection work, the tool is designed to: Evaluate the demographics, wages, labor pool, transportation system, as well as search for sites, buildings, suppliers, competitors or customers throughout North or South Carolina.

Proximity to Major Southeastern Markets

The Carolinas offer a robust business climate and access to diverse markets within 300 miles/500 kilometers of its boarders.

  • Population of more than 40 million people.
  • Growing Southeastern metropolitan centers such as Charlotte (N.C.), Columbia (S.C.), Atlanta (Ga.), Richmond (Va.), and Jacksonville (Fla.).
  • In 2003, the Carolinas issued 117,417 residential building permits, which accounted for 6.2 percent of all permits issued in the U.S. North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Virginia are among the top 10 permit issuing states.
  • The 5-year state population growth is 7 percent in N.C., 6 percent in S.C., 7 percent in Va. and 10 percent in both Ga. and Fla.

Superior Transportation Infrastructure

A sufficient transportation system is critical for cement manufacturing site selection. The Carolinas are centrally located on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. and have a robust transportation network.

  • Four Class I railroads with 37 freight lines operate over 5,500 miles of track throughout the Carolinas.
  • The Carolinas recognize the importance of suitable roadways when being considered for cement manufacturing site selection. Crisscrossed with 6 major interstates (I-85, I-26, I-77, I-95, I-20 and I-40) and over 140,000 miles of highway, the Carolinas are linked to seaports, businesses and consumers in all directions. Approximately 96 percent of N.C. has access to four-lane highways within 10 minutes.
  • Five deep water ports, specializing in intermodal system terminals with interstate and rail access to markets throughout the U.S., are located in the Carolinas. N.C. was the first port operated inland container staging and storage facility in the nation. S.C. is the fourth largest container port in the U.S.
  • Charleston ranked 30th for tonnage transported across its transportation network (30 Million Short Tons).
  • Seven international airports (Charlotte-Douglas, Piedmont Triad, Raleigh/Durham, Wilmington, Greenville-Spartanburg, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach International), along with nine regional airports, provide a global gateway to and from the Carolinas.

Industry Presence

Companies evaluating the Carolinas for cement industry site selection can be assured that the Carolinas are a viable option. Some of the largest cement producers in the world call the Carolinas home.

  • The following global cement producers are present in the Carolinas: Holcim, Keystone Cement and LaFarge.

Incentives/Tax Advantages

To demonstrate North Carolinas’ commitment to cement manufacturing site selection, the North Carolina General Assembly made significant enhancements to its existing incentive tools:

  • The Jobs Development Investment Grant, a key incentive tool, was expanded to 25 grants per year, and the cap was raised from $10 to $15 million, extended to 2006.
  • An additional $20 million was secured for the One North Carolina Fund (cash incentives).
  • The wage test was eliminated for Industrial Revenue Bonds.

South Carolina has one of the most attractive tax climates in the Southeast—no state property tax, no local income tax, no inventory tax, no wholesale tax, and no unitary tax on worldwide profits.

Environmental Permitting

For companies that anticipate permitting to be a risk in their cement manufacturing site selection efforts, the Carolinas have environmental programs to assist companies in moving through the process quickly.

  • Pro-business environment
  • Quick turnaround for most applicants (average 6 weeks)
  • In line with federal standards

Reliable and Affordable Energy

Duke Energy has highly qualified energy experts and site consultants who can assist in any cement manufacturing site selection project. The service is free and confidential.