Nipro's $397.8M investment brings 232 new jobs to Greenville, NC with exciting new facility

18-Jul-2024 - Last updated on 18-Jul-2024 at 11:45 GMT

Japanese medical devices company, Nipro Medical Corporation, a giant in the healthcare and medical device industry, has announced a major investment of $397.8 million to establish its first North American manufacturing center of excellence in Greenville, North Carolina.

This significant project is set to create 232 jobs in Pitt County and marks a milestone in Nipro’s expansion into the U.S. market.

“North Carolina’s highly skilled workforce, top-notch education system, and leadership in the life sciences industry continue to attract projects that make a difference in the lives of everyday North Carolinians,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). “This project will be Nipro’s U.S. headquarters and a new manufacturing facility, enhancing the long-lasting relationship between our state and Japan.”

Nipro Medical Corporation oversees sales, marketing, and business operations in the Americas for Nipro Corporation Japan, which has been producing medical and biopharmaceutical products such as needles, infusion sets, catheters, and dialyzers since 1954. The company operates globally, with 27 manufacturing plants and offices in more than 56 countries, employing over 29,000 people.

The new 550,000-square-foot facility in Greenville will include a state-of-the-art medical training center for healthcare providers, a customer service center, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to support Nipro’s expanding footprint in the North American market. This investment will significantly boost the local economy, providing high-paying jobs and contributing to the region's growth.

Significant economic impact on Greenville

Nipro stands as a Tier 1 manufacturer renowned for its high-quality medical devices and healthcare solutions. Tsuyoshi Yamazaki, senior managing director of global business at Nipro, shared his excitement about the new facility. “We are thrilled to start manufacturing our cutting-edge medical devices in the U.S., which will support local healthcare professionals and patients with a stable supply chain and reduced transportation costs," he said.

“Our close proximity to customers will allow us to better respond to their needs and provide them with timely and effective solutions.”

Over the past decade, Japan has significantly contributed to North Carolina’s economy, with 9,220 jobs and $17.58 billion in investments, making it the state's largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Currently, over 30,500 North Carolinians are employed by 225 Japanese companies, including HondaJet, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, and Sumitomo Forestry. The state also hosts over 800 life sciences companies, employing more than 75,000 people in contract research, medical device manufacturing, biotech, and more.

The average salary for Nipro’s new positions will be $56,147, surpassing Pitt County’s average wage of $50,937. This move underscores Nipro's commitment to providing quality employment opportunities and investing in local talent. Over the last two and a half years, the EDPNC has played a pivotal role in assisting Nipro with site selection, market entry, project execution, and Japanese language and cultural services.

Advanced manufacturing and job creation

The EDPNC acknowledges the support of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Department of Transportation, East Carolina University, North Carolina Community College System, Pitt Community College, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Pitt County Economic Development, Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance, Electricities, Greenville Utilities Commission, and the City of Greenville in bringing this project to fruition.

This strategic investment by Nipro is expected to further cement North Carolina's status as a hub for life sciences and advanced manufacturing, fostering innovation and collaboration between the U.S. and Japan. The new facility will not only enhance Nipro’s operational capacity but also provide a platform for continuous growth and development in the healthcare and medical device sectors.

Governor Roy Cooper expressed his enthusiasm about Nipro’s decision to expand to North Carolina, highlighting the state's reputation as a center for advanced manufacturing. “We are delighted to welcome Nipro to North Carolina," he said.

"This initiative not only reinforces our status as a prime location for advanced manufacturing but also demonstrates our state's capability in providing a skilled workforce and a superior quality of life.”