Johnston Community College and County Leaders Cut Ribbon on Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks
For Immediate Release: September 26, 2025
Smithfield, N.C. - Johnston Community College, along with County and state leaders, celebrated the official opening of the new Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks today. The 67,000-square-foot, $40 million facility will serve as a hub for workforce training, economic development, and industry partnerships across Johnston County and the eastern region of North Carolina.
The state-of-the-art center will house JCC’s Welding, Applied and Mechanical Engineering, and Machining programs, giving students access to hands-on instruction with the latest industry technologies. In addition to training the local workforce, the facility is expected to play a major role in attracting new industries and supporting the expansion of existing businesses throughout the I-95 corridor.
In November of 2022, the Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve up to $17.5 million in matching state funds to build a 60,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Center in Four Oaks. The facility was envisioned to have the same transformative economic development potential that the Johnston County Workforce Development Center has provided for the bio-pharma sector in the western part of the County.
The new center, which sits on a 16-acre property owned by the Town of Four Oaks, is operated by JCC as part of a collaborative vision spearheaded by the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance. The Crossroads Alliance was formed by leaders in Four Oaks and Dunn to enhance infrastructure, workforce readiness, product development, and job growth in southern Johnston County and northern Harnett County. The training site is located near Exit 87, across from the Four Oaks Business Park, within view of thousands of motorists traveling Interstate 95 every day.
“This project represents a major step forward in Johnston County’s ongoing commitment to building a skilled workforce and preparing our citizens for high-quality, good-paying jobs,” said Johnston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Butch Lawter. “Investments like this provide life-changing opportunities for our residents and help strengthen the County’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.”
Today's ribbon cutting marks the completion of a project first launched in March 2023, when leaders gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site. Since then, construction has moved forward with the shared goal of expanding educational opportunities and meeting the needs of a rapidly growing region.
Johnston County Manager Rick Hester praised the teamwork that made the facility possible. “This facility is the result of strong partnerships between our County, JCC, the Town of Four Oaks, the General Assembly, the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, and the business community,” Hester said.
“This is more than just a training center. It is a place where innovation, education, and opportunity come together,” Lawter added. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the multigenerational impact this facility will have on our community."
The Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility is located at 546 Boyette Road in Four Oaks. Classes are set to begin this Fall.