Mack Trucks buys Candor facility ♥

As published October 13, 2011 in the Courier-Tribune

by Hugh Martin

CANDOR - Mack Trucks Inc. of Charlotte has purchased the former Sandhills Tire Company on Farmers Market Road in Candor.

The formal announcement was read by Mayor Pro Tem Layton Booker at the regular meeting of the Candor Board of Commissioners on Oct. 10.

The announcement said the company will provide service for all makes and models of trucks and expect to be in operation with three technicians by the end of November, with plans to add up to 10 employees.

Company officials said they chose the property because of its proximity to the interstate.

Booker presided in the absence of Mayor Richard Britt.

In other business, the board unanimously approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow the burning of biomass for energy production in the town’s industrial areas. The amendment had been changed to exempt any animal products in the biomass definition. The initial amendment allowed the burning of poultry litter.

Following a public hearing in September, with two commissioners absent, a vote of 3-0 was made in favor of an amendment allowing the burning of biomass for energy production in the town’s industrial areas.

On the advice of the town attorney, a second vote on the text amendment was held at the Oct. 10 meeting and was approved 4-0.

The change was needed because of plans by Mountaire Farms, a poultry producer, to construct a biomass facility for the purpose of generating steam and electricity on their property, which is located inside the Candor town limits.

Neighbors and concerned citizens mounted a campaign that opposed the project. The second amendment offered by the group was much more restrictive than the one approved by the town.

In other business, Commissioners Tim Privett, Philip Hearne, Leslie Thomas and Tim Smith:

• Approved a new contract with All American Associates to allow Ron Niland to act as a management adviser on behalf of the town. All American was already on retainer for grant-writing services.

• Tabled the purchase of signage for the town’s farmers market that adjoins the interstate highway until a local company could offer a bid on the project.

• Accepted a deed from Inez Blake and her son, Tommy Blake, of the Blake Family Partnership for five acres in the Sandhill Acres subdivision. The land is designated for a future park area.