Governor Josh Stein has announced a significant development for Lee County, North Carolina, with STERIS plc’s decision to establish a new Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence in the city of Sanford. This move is expected to create 335 jobs and involves an investment of $600 million by the healthcare company. STERIS, a global provider of infection prevention products and services, plans to set up a 600,000-square-foot facility that will house manufacturing, research and development, lab, warehouse, and distribution operations. This development underscores North Carolina’s growing stature in the life sciences industry.
Founded in 1985, STERIS employs over 18,000 people worldwide and operates across 250 locations in more than 35 countries. The new center aims to support the company’s long-term global growth by accelerating innovation and expanding manufacturing capacity. The average annual salary for the new jobs is projected to be $68,704, which is higher than the current Lee County average. This could result in an annual payroll impact of over $23 million for the region.
The state of North Carolina is supporting STERIS’ venture through a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), which is expected to grow the state’s economy by $1.8 billion over the grant’s 12-year term. The JDIG agreement allows for a potential reimbursement of up to $3,213,000, contingent on STERIS meeting specific job creation and investment targets. Additionally, due to Lee County’s Tier 2 economic status, part of the JDIG funds will be allocated to the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account, aiding infrastructure improvements in rural areas.
Key stakeholders in this project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and several educational and transportation entities. Local government representatives, including Senator Jim Burgin and Representative John Sauls, have expressed their support and enthusiasm for the economic opportunities and growth STERIS is expected to bring to the region.
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