A new battery manufacturing plant is set to open at the Kingsboro megasite in Edgecombe County. Natron Energy, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, plans to invest $1.4 billion in the operation, which is expected to create up to 1,000 new jobs nine miles east of downtown Rocky Mount.

The site will produce sodium-ion carbide batteries, an alternative to lithium-ion technology. They are designed for medium—and low-speed electric vehicles, such as bicycles, and are viable options for large-scale energy storage solutions. Sodium is a much more available element than lithium.

Natron is likely to receive more than $50 million in state and local grants.

Natron Energy opened the first U.S. sodium-ion battery plant at its Michigan headquarters earlier this year. Natron claims sodium-ion solutions outperform, are significantly safer, and are far more sustainable than lithium-ion options.

Lee & Associates negotiated the 4,669-square-foot sale of Buddy’s Bites and Brews at 702-718 N River Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois, for $1 million.

Both the seller, restaurant and hospitality operator Ala Carte Entertainment, and the buyer, Platinum Doors, were represented by Rick Scardino, Principal, of Lee & Associates. This is the sixth transaction Scardino has aided Ala Carte in over the years.

“This site became an extra unit for the Ala Carte portfolio after purchasing, renovating, and anchoring a well-positioned strip center near Rosemont a few years ago,” said Scardino. “The new owner plans to continue operating the unit as Buddy’s Bites n Brews but in time featuring live South American music.”

Engine maker Cummins Inc. will invest $580 million into its Rocky Mount facility off Highway 301. The move will help Cummins work toward its long-term goal of emitting zero carbon emissions across its products, as the investment will go to installing new equipment and upgrading the assembly line “for next-generation products,” the company said in a press release. Cummins said the move will create roughly 80 jobs. 2,000 workers currently are employed at the factory. The plant has been in operation since 1983.

The Nash County Board of Commissioners approved incentives for the project. The county is appropriating 50% of the net increase in ad valorem taxes to the company due to the company’s investment between April 2026 and April 2032. That appropriation will total roughly $7 million.