Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday that nearly 300 new jobs are coming to Eastern North Carolina.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is expanding in Greenville.
“Thermo Fisher's exciting announcement underscores North Carolina’s global reputation as a prime location for life sciences companies to operate,” said Governor Cooper. “With our skilled workforce, strong industry collaboration and an innovative business climate, this decision proves, yet again, that North Carolina’s biotechnology sector is thriving statewide.”
Pitt County leaders said they are excited to have a company in the community that’s growing with them and providing opportunities for people in the area.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a pharmaceutical company in Greenville that will invest $150 million.
"We are happy to have this additional announcement today on top of what was already announced in December," said Greenville ENC Alliance Brad Hufford.
That announcement in December included 500 jobs and a $500 million investment.
Average annual salaries are anticipated to be approximately 50 percent higher than Pitt County’s overall average annual wage of $42,801. The new positions are anticipated to bring $19.2 million of annual payroll growth to the region.
“It is a huge investment for us in a target industry and an industry in which we can enjoy and expect high-paying jobs well above the average salary,” said Director of Pitt County Economic Development Kelly Andrews.
Andrews said as this company grows its Greenville campus, they wont just be hiring scientists and engineers.
“It provides a wider breadth of jobs. Anything from production to anything that goes into the campus, we’re talking about maintenance and buildings and grounds, all kinds of jobs out there,” said Andrews.
The jobs and expansion of Thermo Fisher is something Hufford said will be here in the next few years.
“The announcement that was made today by the governor will take place over the next four years with the majority of jobs coming online in year three,” said Hufford.
Andrews said the announcement shows the growth of the area and sets Pitt County apart as a growing leader.
"We are proud to have Thermo Fisher in Pitt County, and many thanks to them for continuing to grow with us, employ our citizens, and do life-saving work,” said Pitt County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Ann Floyd Huggins. “We remain committed to supporting their continued success.” Greenville Mayor PJ Connelly added, “After competing globally, our community came out on top because we have the workforce, business climate, and resources to address their growth needs.”
This is Thermo Fisher’s second expansion in Pitt County in less than 12 months. In December, the company announced a $500 million capital investment and 500 new jobs in Greenville.
“I think that it’s important and that it shows how important and critical and how much of a competitive area that eastern North Carolina is,” said Andrews.
This announcement will not only be bringing jobs but also will allow for the states economic tier to be classified in tier 2 which will allow rural communities access to funds that will help them grow and attract future businesses.