Major Investment in Lee County: STERIS to Establish New Facility, Create 335 Jobs
The city of Sanford in Lee County is set to become the new home for STERIS plc’s latest venture, bringing significant economic growth and job opportunities to the area. With a planned investment of $600 million, STERIS will establish a cutting-edge Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence, generating 335 new positions in the region.
Governor Josh Stein highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “STERIS is making a major investment in North Carolina, which reinforces our state’s reputation as a powerhouse in the life sciences industry.” Founded in 1985, STERIS is a prominent global provider of products and services focused on infection prevention, employing over 18,000 individuals across roughly 250 locations in more than 35 countries.
The new 600,000-square-foot facility will be a hub of innovation, featuring advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory, warehouse, and distribution operations. Dan Carestio, President and CEO of STERIS, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Creating a formulated chemistries Center of Excellence will allow us to accelerate innovation, expand capacity and optimize our U.S. chemistries manufacturing and distribution network.”
The anticipated average salary for the new positions stands at $68,704 annually, surpassing the current Lee County average of $59,903. This influx of jobs is expected to contribute more than $23 million in annual payroll impact to the region.
Supporting this initiative is a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) awarded to STERIS Corporation, approved by North Carolina’s Economic Investment Committee. The grant is projected to enhance the state’s economy by $1.8 billion over a 12-year period. The JDIG agreement allows for a potential reimbursement to STERIS of up to $3,213,000, contingent on meeting job creation and investment benchmarks, verified annually by state departments.
The project promises a substantial return on investment for public funds, with a projected 325 percent return. This means that for every dollar invested, the state anticipates receiving $4.25 in revenue, ensuring a positive net tax outcome even after grant reimbursements.
Given Lee County’s classification as a Tier 2 region in the state’s economic tier system, the JDIG agreement also allocates up to $357,000 to the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. This fund aids rural communities in enhancing infrastructure to attract future business growth.
Senator Jim Burgin welcomed the development, stating, “This landmark investment and expansion mark an exciting new chapter for both the company and our community, creating opportunities for shared growth and long-term economic prosperity.” Similarly, Representative John Sauls emphasized the benefits, noting, “STERIS’ decision to invest in Sanford speaks volumes about the strength of our community, workforce, and business environment.”
In addition to state departments, the project is supported by numerous partners, including the North Carolina General Assembly, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, and several local and regional organizations such as the Sanford Area Growth Alliance and Duke Energy.
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