orth Carolina's Ports, which are strategically and centrally located on the U.S. East Coast, offer many features and benefits for global distribution centers within a growing inventory of new site locations, near the expanded container terminal at the Port of Wilmington.
      Shovel-ready, at-port distribution center sites available now within 15 miles and less of the Port of Wilmington include a planned 1.2 million SF, class-A distribution center facility within 9 miles and the 1,100 acre International Logistics Park of North Carolina, within 15 miles with a projected build out of 8.5 million SF. The 378-acre Pender Commerce Park is capable of tripling its size with contiguous acreage. Two additional sites, more than 3,000 acres progressing towards shovel-ready status within the next twelve months are also located within the Port of Wilmington's 15-mile radius.
      These sites will be packed with North Carolina's best financial and tax incentive structure for new and expanding global distribution centers and assembly manufacturing facilities. The incentive packages include, but are not limited to, the NC Ports tax credit, job creation tax credits, property tax credits, investment tax credits, research and development credits, site enhancements and job development grants, and free work force training for an abundant, skilled labor pool.
      Superior interstate and four-lane highway access to the Port of Wilmington's at-port distribution center model provides direct links to the I-95 and I-85 distribution corridors from the nearby interstate highways of I-140, I-40, I-74 and I-73. This network is key to fast, efficient, cost effective distribution of goods throughout the U.S. mid-Atlantic, East Coast and NC.
      North Carolina's Ports, with a deep 42-foot navigational channel at the Port of Wilmington, are proceeding with port expansion projects to accommodate significant growth in global business and in population throughout the state and region to further support the current and future needs of the container shipping industry. Completed expansion results are four new 100-foot gauge container cranes, berth improvements, new container handling equipment and a new terminal operating system. Record setting containership moves-per-hour, fast truck turn times, efficient terminal operations by state employees, and reduced inland truck costs help make Wilmington "the" low-cost shipping and distribution choice.
      For more information on why North Carolina offers one of the best, new at-port distribution center gateways, please visit www.ncports.com or call 1-800-334-0682.