By Jeanna Baxter White
Word Master Media Group
Liberty Storage Solutions, which designs and manufactures everything from simple storage buildings to elaborate man caves and chic sheds, celebrated the start of its Davie County expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 25.
From humble beginnings in a 40×40 barn in Rowan County, the company has outgrown its 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility at 163 Industrial Boulevard in Mocksville and purchased 56 acres nearby to expand. The company expects to create 50 new jobs over the next three years with an average annual salary of $47,500 plus benefits. The county average is $39,000.
The company plans to build the new site in phases over the next five years, beginning with an office building and additional manufacturing space of 50,000 to 80,000 square feet.
“In 2006, I dreamed of having a family business that honors God and produces a quality product for our customers. From 2006 to 2020, we’ve grown incredibly, and from 2020 to today, our growth has been exponential, surpassing my wildest dreams,” said Bobby Eaton, owner of Liberty Storage Solutions, at the ceremony.
“There is a scripture in the Psalms that says, ‘Except the Lord build the house, his builders labor in vain.’ I would be remiss if I did not mention the goodness of God and all that he has done in this whole process. God has blessed this business in a way that only he can.
“Today marks the start of a new dream and a new vision. It is becoming a reality, and I am extremely grateful and grateful to Terry Bralley of Davie County Economic Development for moving the project forward. and for securing the necessary grant to propel it across the finish line. We are there and I thank God. And to the City of Mocksville, Norfolk Southern, Pete Bogle (The Bogle Firm Architecture), Joe LaFave (LaFave’s Construction) and countless others, at Liberty we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Eaton.
“The City of Mocksville was kind enough to let us name the newly developed street that will serve our new property, and we chose the name ‘Liberty Lifestyle Drive’. We create more than a product; we create a lifestyle” , said Weston Leibee, Vice President/General Manager of Liberty, “Liberty’s fun and challenging work environment already employs 49 people, and we look forward to creating many more jobs in Davie County. We are proud to call Mocksville home.
The project began in October 2020 when it was clear Liberty would soon outgrow its second manufacturing facility in Vanceboro. Eaton therefore turned to Bralley, who helped it acquire the additional property and grants to support its development.
Since the property was undeveloped, Bralley worked with Tracy Dellinger, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, to find grants to fund infrastructure development. The project received approximately $1.1 million in state and local grants for the construction of sewers and roads; a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $250,000 from the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority, $250,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $175,000 from the NC Department of Transportation (DOT), and $70,000 in local incentives from the DCEDC and the Town of Mocksville.
The project received $350,000 from the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) to support a rail spur to the site, allowing Liberty to efficiently and cost-effectively transport raw materials like wood and metal.
“When a business is able to expand, the government has done its job,” Bralley said, pointing out that the majority of a community’s economic growth comes from its existing industry. “These grants are a terrific investment because not only will they support one of our great industrial partners, Liberty Storage Solutions, but this infrastructure build will also open up additional industrial land for development. Years ago, as a young city administrator, I knew this area would be the perfect location for an industrial complex. Now I am blessed to see this come to fruition.
Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin added his thoughts, “As a faith-based mayor, it is an honor to recognize such a successful faith-based business in our community. This project has been a god-sized task, but look what is happening now. Congratulations. We look forward to seeing you continue to grow with the town of Mocksville. »
Eaton ended the dedication ceremony with a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication of the site.
For more information, visit https://www.libertystoragesolutions.com.
