How a tiny Johnston County town became a focal point of national security
WRAL••business
Key Points:
- Vulcan Elements, a startup based in Research Triangle Park, plans to open a $918 million rare-earth magnet manufacturing plant in Benson, North Carolina, potentially creating 1,000 jobs in the small town of under 5,000 residents.
- The plant is part of a Pentagon-backed initiative to establish the largest rare-earth magnet factory outside China, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities as China tightens export restrictions on these critical materials.
- Benson's strategic location near major interstates and proximity to military base Fort Bragg, combined with a newly constructed industrial facility, helped attract Vulcan over other finalist states like Ohio.
- The project arrives as Benson resolves financial struggles and aims to boost its economy, with local leaders optimistic about increased business,
