Commission extends Stella-Jones incentive timeline as company nears investment, cites rail and waterline delays

The Halifax County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 1 approved a one‑year extension of the year‑one commitments in the economic development incentive agreement with Stella‑Jones Corporation.

County economic development staff said Stella‑Jones, the largest utility‑pole manufacturer in North America, bought the former Georgia‑Pacific facility in Enfield and faced construction delays related to rail work and a waterline replacement. Staff reported the company’s taxable investment target for year‑one was $9,500,000; as of the presentation the company’s taxable investment was approximately $8,800,000 and it anticipated reaching the investment and employment targets by the new deadline in calendar year 2026.

The board voted to extend the timeline for the company to meet its year‑one taxable investment and job commitments to calendar year 2026. Commissioners and staff discussed the definitions in the incentive agreement for "year‑1" and confirmed that the county will monitor taxable investment and job verification at the designated date.

No amendment to incentive amounts was reported; the action extended the compliance window. County staff said they will return to the board as needed with verification of the company’s compliance with the extended timetable.