APG Advisors’ Vice President Sherry Wilborn represents the seller in the sale of a 246,000+ SF manufacturing facility, marking a new chapter for Person County’s industrial base.
APG Advisors is pleased to announce the successful sale of the former GKN Automotive manufacturing facility located at 1190 Roby Barton Road in Roxboro, NC for $19,000,000. The 246,000+ square-foot industrial property has been acquired by Voltage Energy, LLC, a renewable-energy manufacturing firm expanding its operational footprint in North Carolina.
The transaction was led by APG’s Sherry Wilborn, Vice President, who represented the seller. The sale brings renewed momentum to a legacy manufacturing site that has been vacant since GKN Automotive’s closure and positions the property for its next phase of industrial use.
Industrial Reuse Gains Momentum Across Secondary NC Markets
Across North Carolina, manufacturers and industrial users are increasingly targeting secondary and tertiary markets for expansion, driven by rising land costs, limited supply, and labor competition in core metro areas. Communities like Roxboro are benefiting from this shift, offering existing infrastructure, available workforce, and proximity to major transportation corridors without the congestion or pricing pressure of larger markets.
Facilities with heavy power capacity, established manufacturing layouts, and ample acreage—like the former GKN Automotive plant—are particularly well positioned to attract next-generation industrial users seeking speed-to-market and long-term operational flexibility.
“This property is purpose-built for advanced manufacturing,” said Wilborn. “We’re thrilled to help introduce a new chapter for this facility and look forward to the economic impact this transition will bring to Roxboro and Person County.”
Property Highlights
- Former GKN Automotive manufacturing facility
- ±246,079 square feet on ±71.72 acres
- 23-foot clear height
- Power capacity suited for advanced manufacturing
- High visibility from US-501, with access to US-158, US-70, and the greater Triangle region
Local Expertise, Regional Impact
APG’s work in the northern counties of the Triangle is led by Wilborn, whose background in economic development and long-standing relationships in Person County has made her a trusted advisor to industrial property owners navigating complex, high-impact transactions.
Her leadership on the GKN sale reflects APG Advisors’ broader strength in industrial brokerage and manufacturing facility transitions, supported by a fully integrated platform that includes development, capital markets, and property management services.
About APG Companies
APG Companies is a full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Raleigh, NC, with recognized expertise in industrial brokerage, manufacturing transitions, and investment strategy throughout the Carolinas. Through APG Advisors, the firm delivers market insight and relationship-driven solutions that support long-term community and client success.