Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Purdue Pharma Manufacturing L.P. will build a new facility in Durham County. The company plans to create 100 new jobs and invest $59 million over the next three years in Durham.
“North Carolina is recognized around the world for our bioscience and cutting-edge pharmaceutical companies,” said Governor McCrory. “We’re committed to helping companies like Purdue Pharma grow their business and get more products to the global marketplace.”
Purdue is engaged in the research, development, production, and marketing of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and health care products. Purdue is an industry leader in pain medication research, and makes several important medications used to treat pain.
“Companies know North Carolina is home to some of the most talented pharmaceutical professionals in the world,” said Sharon Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “We are delighted to have Purdue reinvest in North Carolina and wish them continued success in Durham.”
The new Durham facility represents the second major investment Purdue has made in North Carolina. In 2000, Purdue opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wilson, bringing approximately 180 new engineering, scientific and technical jobs to North Carolina. The Wilson operation pioneered the use of product tracking technology and anti-counterfeit packaging to enable authentication and traceability of products from its warehouse all the way to the pharmacy shelf.
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $70,199 plus benefits. The Durham County average annual wage is $66,602.
“This decision underscores Purdue’s commitment to the Raleigh/Durham region, and solidifies the company’s footprint in North Carolina through the establishment of a manufacturing and technology hub,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Purdue John H. Stewart. “This decision also reflects Purdue’s ongoing commitment to invest in high-tech jobs within the state.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $300,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
“I am extremely pleased that Purdue has chosen to expand in Durham,” said Sen. Mike Woodard. “My office fully supports the growth of businesses in our region, and I look forward to working closely with Secretary Decker on future projects.”
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Durham Chamber of Commerce, Durham County and the City of Durham.