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Around the Region
Business Growth
Novartis inaugurates flu vaccine plant in Holly Springs
Gov. Bev Perdue and U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius joined Swiss pharmaceuticals maker Novartis AG executives Nov. 24 to celebrate the opening of the first U.S. plant to produce flu vaccines using cell cultures instead of egg-based methods. The $1 billion, 430,000-square-foot plant in Holly Springs is designed to supply 150 million doses of vaccine within six months of an influenza pandemic. It should be fully operational next year and employ 350 people.
EMC Corp. plans $280 million expansion in Durham and Wake counties
The world leader in information infrastructure solutions expects to add 400 jobs over five years to establish a new research facility in Durham County and increase its presence in RTP and Apex.
Talecris Biotherapeutics announces $269 million expansion in Johnston County
The international biopharmaceutical company expects to create 259 new jobs at its Clayton plant, which already employs more than 1,800. Talecris Biotherapeutics discovers, develops and produces critical-care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in the areas of immunology, neurology, pulmonology and hemostasis.
Israeli fiber company invests $17 million in Granville County
Shalag Industries Ltd., an international supplier of nonwoven fabrics used in the hygiene and wipes markets, will open a new plant in Granville County, creating 42 jobs in Oxford and expanding the region’s life sciences cluster.
Israeli manufacturer to invest $7.8 million and bring 72 jobs to Franklin County
A state grant helps Palziv North America, global leader in the development and manufacturing of thermoplastic cross-linked polyethylene foam, open its new North American headquarters and manufacturing facility near Louisburg.
Cree adding green jobs in North Carolina
The Durham-based LED market leader expects to add 275 jobs during 2009 and 300 more by the end of 2012 to expand its manufacturing facility in anticipation of growing demand for energy-efficient lighting.
Parachute manufacturer brings 375 jobs to Roxboro
North American Aerodynamics Inc., a national manufacturer of parachutes for military and sports uses, plans to invest nearly $900,000 to expand in Person County, creating 375 jobs. It joins the region’s burgeoning defense cluster.
Quintiles and Eisai sign pact to speed development of six cancer drugs
Durham-based Quintiles, the world's largest clinical research organization, has signed a strategic alliance with Eisai, the Tokyo-based global pharmaceutical company that operates a major U.S. facility in RTP near the Quintiles campus. The pact aims to speed six experimental Eisai cancer drugs to the marketplace.
Product Development
RDU service expands to key destinations for regional business travelers
Midwest returns to the market with service to Milwaukee. JetBlue adds new Boston flights. Southwest plans service to St. Louis.
Sanford airport becomes RALEIGH EXEC
Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport has been renamed RALEIGH EXEC: The Raleigh Executive Jetport @ Sanford-Lee County, reflecting its growing role as a gateway for private flights into the world-renowned Research Triangle Region.
Progress Energy selected for $200 million Smart Grid grant
The U.S. Department of Energy selected Progress Energy’s application for award negotiation as part of the federal stimulus package. The grant would help the company make energy-saving upgrades in the Carolinas and Florida, isolate power outages and equipment problems faster, and give customers greater control over their energy use.
N.C. Biotech Center accepts applications through Jan. 27 for community development grant
Communities interested in pursuing projects to develop their biotechnology sectors may apply for grants up to $75,000 from the Biotech Center through its Regional Development Grant program.
Regional Collaboration
Cumberland County developer to head Harnett County economic development
Phyllis Owens brings extensive experience in economic development and working with Ft. Bragg, which is expected to spark most of the county's growth in coming years. She replaces Lee Anne Nance, who has joined RTRP as senior vice president.
Jim Hinkle tapped as interim director for Vance County economic development
The veteran N.C. developer brings 40-plus years experience promoting business growth. He'll lead Vance County EDC while the search continues for a permanent director.
GSK PULSE volunteer assigned to Triangle Tomorrow air-quality initiative
GlaxoSmithKline executive Carol B. Rockett is working as a full-time volunteer for Triangle Tomorrow, RTRP’s quality-of-life program, through April helping expand its Triangle Air Awareness Program outreach to area elementary schools. GSK placed Rockett in the six-month assignment through its PULSE Volunteer Partnership.
Moore County Partners in Progress pursues promising projects
Economic developers from the region’s southern tier respond to prospects who seek locations for a range of manufacturing and service industries.
“The Health of Lee County” event to provide local economic reality check
RTRP CEO Charles Hayes and Lee County Economic Development Director Bob Heuts will examine the most recent facts, figures and trends in the economy, workforce, education and quality of life in Lee County Dec. 10 at the annual event hosted by the Committee of 100.
N.C. Advanced Medical Technologies Center of Innovation forms board
The nonprofit corporation created to expand the state’s medical device cluster has tapped Tryton Medical CEO J. Greg Davis as chairman. Cindy Clark will serve as president, bringing 17 years experience leading startups in the sector. Medical devices is a priority business-development target for the region.
BRAC Regional Task Force taps Fayetteville mayor as chair
The organization RTRP partners with to expand its defense cluster has tapped Tony Chavonne as board chair.
Get the latest news on regional companies, investments and economic development initiatives at Research Triangle Regional Partnership News
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