In March, representatives from Four County EMC gathered with community and business leaders in Pender Commerce Park to celebrate the groundbreaking of what will be Amazon’s largest and most technologically advanced fulfillment center in North Carolina. It is expected to open by early 2027 and will feature state-of-the-art, AI-driven robotics technology while bringing more than 1,000 jobs to the region.

A decade ago, Four County EMC provided Pender County with a $2 million zero-interest loan to support the development of Acme Smoked Fish, Pender Commerce Park’s first anchor tenant. That foundational investment helped establish the commerce park as a regional hub for major industries.

“We congratulate Wilmington Business Development CEO Scott Satterfield and his team for their tireless work in bringing Amazon’s robotic fulfillment center to Pender Commerce Park,” said Jimmy Smith, director of Economic and Community Development at Four County EMC.

Amazon’s last-mile distribution facility in Jacksonville is under construction at the Jacksonville Business Park, which JOEMC has supported through feasibility studies, due diligence work and grant funding. The facility is expected to create an estimated 200 jobs.“

Jones-Onslow EMC is proud to power Amazon’s new facility, supporting job growth in our community and improving access to everyday goods for local consumers,” said JOEMC Vice President of Power System Reliability Optimization and Control Aaron Spencer.