North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Gregory Poole Equipment Co., the Caterpillar dealer for eastern North Carolina, will relocate its headquarters from Raleigh to Garner, announcing plans for a new campus expected to bring $347 million in investment and hundreds of jobs over the next five years.
The 130-acre site at 0 Waterfield Drive was selected after a three-year search across Raleigh, Garner, Clayton and Wendell. Garner stood out for its strategic location, access to skilled labor, pro-business climate and growth potential.
“This project represents a major investment in our people, our customers and our communities,” said Greg Poole IV, senior vice president. “Our goal is simple: to create a customer experience that’s second to none. This new headquarters gives us the space, tools and vision to deliver on that promise every day.”
Construction is expected to begin within 24 months, with a phased relocation over five years. The campus will consolidate operations, enhance employee collaboration and training, expand service capacity and provide room for future growth.
Mayor Buddy Gupton said the project aligns with the town’s economic development goals. “We are excited to welcome Gregory Poole to our community,” he said. “Their selection of Garner illustrates once again that we are a community of choice for business opportunities.”
Founded in 1951, Gregory Poole Equipment Co. originally operated on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh before moving to its current headquarters at 4807 Beryl Road. The company now employs more than 1,500 associates across 27 locations, serving industries including construction, electric and marine power, lift systems, and governmental and defense solutions.
“This is a local business made good,” Gupton said, announcing the project. “These guys were born in Wake County in 1951, I believe. Garner is built by local business. They were never built by General Motors, or Dupont or the federal government or big universities. It’s always been local business and to see a local business that survived and prospered into its fourth generation and remained a family-owned business . . . My hat is off to you. That is quite an achievement.”
Gregory Poole has earned a reputation for customer service and employee relations, with an average employee tenure of more than eight years, double the national average.
The company remains family-owned and is guided by the values of commitment, integrity, teamwork, excellence and safety.
For more information, visit www.GregoryPoole.com.