The Town of Aurora is celebrating major progress at the Aurora Industrial Park, a 51-acre economic-development project located along N.C. Highway 33 near the Aurora Fire Department and Nutrien.
A State of North Carolina economic-development property listing, updated in August 2026, describes the park as complete and available for business investment. The property offers paved access, public water and sewer, electricity, broadband and fiber-optic service.
The project represents years of cooperation among the Town of Aurora, Beaufort County, Beaufort County Community College, Golden LEAF, Nutrien and other state and community partners.
Golden LEAF awarded the Town $200,000 in 2019 to help construct public water, sewer and road infrastructure for the park. An additional $500,000 grant was awarded in 2023 to support infrastructure associated with a new industrial training facility. The Town acquired the 51-acre property with assistance from a $450,000 Beaufort County loan secured through advance property sales to businesses planning to locate in the park.
Workforce Education and Training
The industrial park will also be home to Beaufort County Community College’s Rev. Dr. Robert B. Cayton Regional Center.
The planned 5,000-square-foot center is designed to make education and workforce training more accessible to residents and employers in Aurora and surrounding communities. Proposed programming includes:
- Customized industrial and employer training
- College and career-readiness programs
- High school equivalency preparation
- English-language instruction
- Advanced-manufacturing training
- Emergency medical and fire-service training
- Small-business and workforce-development workshops
The Town and Beaufort County Community College broke ground for the regional center on June 19, 2025. Additional information about the center’s opening and course schedule will be shared when it is officially confirmed.
The center is named in memory of the Rev. Dr. Robert B. Cayton, an Aurora native who served as chairman of the Beaufort County Community College Board of Trustees from 2018 through 2022.
Supporting Aurora’s Economic Future
The Aurora Industrial Park is designed to accommodate offices, contractor operations, laydown yards, fabrication facilities, repair operations and other commercial and industrial uses. Its location provides convenient access to Nutrien’s Aurora operation, N.C. Highway 33 and the waterways and transportation network of eastern North Carolina.
By bringing together business-ready property, modern infrastructure and workforce education, the project strengthens Aurora’s ability to attract investment, support existing employers and create new opportunities for residents.
Businesses interested in learning more about the Aurora Industrial Park may contact Aurora Town Hall at 252-322-4611.