Haywood County hears plan to convey Beaver Dam parcel to Willow Hill Soap for eight jobs

Chair opened a public hearing on July 20 to consider conveying a county parcel at Beaver Dam Industrial Park to Willow Hill Soap Company under North Carolina General Statute 158‑7.1. Hannah White, Haywood County community and economic development manager, said the company would add eight jobs over five years with an average wage just under $52,000 and projected more than $170,000 in local tax revenue over 10 years, exceeding the $130,000 appraisal for the parcel.

Ben McDow, co‑owner of Willow Hill, thanked the board and described the business’s local roots and growth. “This new manufacturing facility represents the next chapter of our company,” McDow said, adding that the owners intend to meet the commitments tied to the conveyance. Commissioners praised the local ownership and said the parcels are currently county‑owned, meaning the projects would generate new tax revenue rather than displacing existing assessments.

County staff said the conveyance, if approved, would include a five‑year construction requirement and recapture provisions should the businesses fail to meet their commitments. The board’s staff said a resolution and the economic‑development agreement would come back for a vote at the August meeting; staff indicated the agreement would require construction and beneficial occupancy milestones to trigger the five‑year compliance period.