By Chandler Inions
A new business in Landis, N.C., is giving one former textile mill a fresh purpose.
What was once a longtime mill, the building has now been transformed into a modern hub for local businesses, Blue Co. North Charlotte.
“We are a unique concept,” Blue Co. Founder Jason Widen said. “We subdivide warehouses into dedicated space for multiple companies.”
That space can be used for service-based businesses, e-commerce professionals, tradespeople, makers, food and beverage entrepreneurs. The Rowan Economic Development Commission called it “a space built for today’s innovators while honoring the roots that shaped our community.”
Widen said that he is excited to be a part of revitalization taking place at a site that once represented economic opportunity for the town of Landis and nearby residents.
“That’s something that I’ve been thinking about personally, and something that I most definitely support,” Widen said. “I think it makes a lot of business sense, too. As growth continues to push outwards (from Charlotte), you know you’ve got communities like Landis that are right in that pathway, and if we can come in and be a part of that success story you know in a community that’s already got a bright future ahead of it, that is a win-win.”
Landis’s location on the Interstate 85 corridor with proximity to Charlotte drew Blue Co.’s eye when looking for expansion opportunities. “The Charlotte metro region is definitely on our radar,” Widen said.
Blue Co. has locations in Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina, but had been considering how to get into this region of the state. The new location in Landis features flexible terms for warehouse space, shared warehouse equipment, shipping and receiving support, and access to valuable business resources.
“Blue Co. North Charlotte is a community driven, turnkey solution for businesses of all sizes and needs,” the company website says.
Widen pointed to how the flexible space and pricing can be helpful for smaller businesses. “If you are a growing company, you can come in and start with us with 500 square feet on a month-to-month basis and eventually go to something bigger over time,” he said.
He also mentioned that within the hub, something special is happening. “We’re warehousing a bunch of different companies in one building, and it becomes like a micro-community within that space,” he said.
According to the company website: “You’re surrounded by other driven small business owners and professionals. That means real opportunities to collaborate on RFPs, partner on projects and compete with larger companies.”
Blue Co.’s website also expands on how affordability makes it an appealing option. “Shared workspaces make sense, especially when they’re bundled with the services and amenities your business actually needs,” it says.
“Our all-in-one model helps you save on costs while accessing everything from shipping support to meeting rooms.” Blue Co. also offers commercial parking, will receive shipments and offers daily pickups with USPS, UPS and FedEx.
Widen called it a win-win and so did the EDC. “This project shows what’s possible when we invest in our past to build a stronger future. Rowan County continues to rise — one revitalized space at a time.”
