Freight rail gives North Carolina manufacturers a competitive advantage. This investment helps an established North Carolina company expand its operations, strengthens the state’s supply chain and demonstrates how strategic rail infrastructure creates opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
North Carolina Railroad Company Invests $250,000 To Support Atlantic Packaging Expansion in Tabor City
RALEIGH, N.C., SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 – The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) will invest up to $250,000 to support the construction of a new rail spur serving Atlantic Packaging’s warehouse expansion in Tabor City. Once operational, the facility is expected to receive and distribute at least 480 rail cars annually.
The rail spur will connect Atlantic Packaging’s recently acquired warehouse to the freight rail network, allowing the company to receive raw materials by rail and support continued growth in Columbus County. The company plans to invest more than $5 million in the project and create 16 new full-time jobs.
Atlantic Packaging provides innovative packaging solutions for consumer products across many industries including food and beverage and ships to more than 35 locations in the United States and internationally. It imports paper and other raw materials by rail. Once operational, the new warehouse will be the company’s sixth facility in Tabor City.
Through NCRR Invests grant program, the North Carolina Railroad Company uses private revenue, not taxpayer dollars, to fund rail infrastructure projects that help attract new industry and support the expansion of existing businesses across North Carolina.
“This project is exactly the kind of partnership that helps communities grow,” said Tabor City Mayor Royce Harper. “Atlantic Packaging has been an important part of Tabor City’s economy for many years. Adding rail service to this facility supports the company’s continued investment here, while creating new jobs and strengthening our local economy.”
NCRR, the Town of Tabor City and Atlantic Packaging are committed to strengthening economic opportunity in southeastern North Carolina.