NORTH CAROLINA -- North Carolina makes the short list to host a major auto plant with the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite under close consideration.

National site expert, John Boyd with The Boyd Company, Inc. said the 1,500 acre property is an attractive spot for the $1.6 billion Toyota-Mazda Plant.

“The Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is one of the most attractive industrial parks in the Southeast today,” Boyd said. "I have every reason to think that North Carolina is one of the final three contenders for this trophy project."

If it becomes a reality, Randolph Community College is already preparing to provide the workforce.

"We will sit down with them and say 'what is it that you need from us?' and we'll be responsive to their needs,” said school president, Dr. Bob Shackleford.

The school already offers an advanced manufacturing program with a two year associate degree.

“This program would be a very important part of any training we do,” said Dr. Shackleford. “If a manufacturer comes here to the megasite, a huge part of that is going to be regarding training. They want to know that they can get a trained workforce. Fortuantely, we have a very well known, highly respected, computer innovated machining program.”

Toyota and Mazda announced in August plans to build an auto plant that’s expected to provide 4,000 jobs.

Other  places  in the state under consideration include the Rocky Mount and Chatham County megasites. North Carolina is the only Southeastern state without an auto manufacturing plant.