A global medical-imaging company plans to establish its first United States manufacturing operation in Sanford, bringing a major investment and 200 jobs to Lee County.
North Carolina officials announced Tuesday that Bracco Imaging will invest approximately $230 million in a sterile manufacturing facility that will produce injectable contrast media used during medical-imaging procedures.
Project Expected to Create 200 Jobs
The company expects to create positions in manufacturing, engineering, technical operations, quality control, warehousing, administration and related support functions. State officials estimate that the jobs could generate an annual regional payroll of more than $20.6 million.
Bracco Imaging is headquartered in Milan, Italy, and operates production facilities in Europe, Asia and Canada. The Sanford plant will become its first U.S. manufacturing location for injectable contrast media.
Strengthening the Domestic Medical Supply Chain
Company officials said producing contrast media in Sanford will place its supply closer to American hospitals and patients while adding resilience to its manufacturing network.
Bracco cited North Carolina’s trained workforce and established life-sciences sector as factors in the location decision. Local partners include Lee County, the City of Sanford, the Sanford Area Growth Alliance and Central Carolina Community College.
Incentives Depend on Performance
The project is eligible for a state Job Development Investment Grant worth up to approximately $2.86 million over 12 years. The payments are not automatic; the company must meet annual investment and job-creation requirements before receiving reimbursement.
