Kentucky company invests $7.4 million, creates 51 jobs in Richmond County – Business North Carolina

A Kentucky-based manufacturer of outdoor storage buildings will invest $7.4 million and create 51 jobs by locating a manufacturing facility in the Richmond County town of Marston.

GP Portable Buildings, which is registered in Kentucky as Graceland Properties, has dealerships in about 20 states, including North Carolina.

“We are glad to see more jobs and investments being made in Richmond County,” said Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement released Thursday. “Through prior work with North Carolina contractors, Graceland Portable Buildings is confident in establishing its own manufacturing facility because of our skilled workforce, our robust transportation infrastructure, and the affordability of doing business in our state.”

GP Portable Buildings will operate in Richmond County as a manufacturer, distributor and installer of portable buildings and outdoor storage sheds for various applications. With direct and dealer sales, Graceland uses technology and engineering for its designs that can be certified for housing. The company will increase its footprint with a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to double production capacity.

“Graceland Portable Buildings is thrilled to expand our operations in North Carolina with this new manufacturing facility,” said Greg French, CEO of Graceland Portable Buildings, in a statement. “This investment not only represents our commitment to growth and innovation but also underscores our dedication to creating high-quality products and providing meaningful job opportunities in the community. We are excited to be a part of North Carolina’s economic landscape and look forward to contributing to its vibrant future.”

“The Marston plant will be a showcase of state-of-the-art technology and advanced manufacturing processes,” said Michael Derkacy, COO who will oversee the project.

“North Carolina continues to attract advanced manufacturers across all industries to every corner of the state,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “With the largest manufacturing workforce in the southeastern United States, North Carolina is committed to further developing the diverse labor pool that growing companies need as they expand and meet product demand.”

Although salaries will vary by position, the average annual wage will be $43,335 which exceeds the Richmond County average. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $2.2 million for the region. 

A performance-based grant of $150,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Graceland’s expansion to North Carolina. Graceland will receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.