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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

Spec buildings are paying off.

Mocksville and Davie County approved incentives earlier this month that will bring two new companies to town – both going into buildings all but ready for occupancy.

“Today’s clients need speed to market,” Terry Bralley, president of the Davie Economic Development Commission, told county commissioners. “The spec building program serves you well.”

It doesn’t hurt that I-40 runs through Davie, and I-77 and I-85 aren’t far away. Railroad access is important to some of the businesses.

Bralley added that a county as small as Davie couldn’t provide spec buildings for prospective industries, and the fact that Hollingsworth Companies, a private entity, provides them makes Davie the envy of other counties.

In recent months, two companies have moved from neighboring counties to Davie because buildings were available.

Scott Bader Co. is buying a building in Hollingsworth’s South Pointe Business Park off US 601 North. The British company makes large blades for the wind turbine industry and others, and this will be their first site in the United States. Many of the blades used in the United States are imported from other countries.

Employees at Scott Bader are involved in all aspects of the company, including choosing Mocksville as the newest site, picked from among eight. The company is making a $17 million investment and is expected to create at least 28 jobs.

Dr. Freist Automotive (DFA) is moving from Mt. Airy into a building off Bethel Church Road. The $5.9 million investment will lead to 56 jobs, with starting pay at $17.50 per hour for entry level workers. Some employees may move from Mt. Airy, as the company outgrew the site there.

Jerry Sutphin, vice president, said he walked into the Bethel Church Road building and knew it was perfect. “I really appreciate how welcoming Mocksville has been.”

The company makes sound barriers for under the dash for Daimler, VW and BMW. “If you’ve ever driven one of these vehicles and enjoy how quiet it is, you’re welcome.”