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WEB EXCLUSIVE
World's Largest Insulin Supplier to Invest More Than $100 Million North Carolina

In October, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley and Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, announced plans for $100 million expansion of Novo NordiskÕs insulin manufacturing facility in Clayton, NC. The company plans to break ground on the new 181,000-square-foot addition within the next few months.

The first phase of the facility expansion, scheduled for completion in 2006, will allow Novo Nordisk to more than double its insulin filling capabilities. The second phase of the expansion will include two new assembly and packaging lines to accommodate Novo NordiskÕs insulin delivery device, FlexPen¨, as well as administration and storage space, with expected completion in 2007.

"Plans for the expansion demonstrate Novo NordiskÕs commitment to serving the insulin needs of people who are living with diabetes throughout the US," says John R. Pratt, general manager, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. "Novo Nordisk is proud to be expanding its facility in Clayton and helping to create additional employment for the region."

Currently, the Clayton manufacturing facility handles the formulation, filling and packaging of Novo NordiskÕs genetically engineered insulin preparations. The site is a high-volume, high-speed integrated facility that supplies the needs of the U.S. and other worldwide markets. Recently completed was a $12 million two-story addition, which expanded the world-class facilities quality inspection, cold storage capabilities and quality control laboratories, as well as additional administrative and employee areas. Novo NordiskÕs new expansion will provide 187 new jobs in the region for a total of 561 when fully operational.

"This announcement builds on our already thriving pharmaceutical industry here in North Carolina," says Easley. "One of the main reasons Novo Nordisk is expanding here is because of the training their employees will receive through the community college system. This is further proof that our investments in education, infrastructure and workforce development are paying off. To have a world leader in diabetes care expand here in Clayton and create 187 skilled jobs is a real win for our state."

Novo Nordisk owns an additional 210 acres for a total of 264 acres adjacent to the existing facility allowing opportunity for future development. In December 2003, Novo Nordisk donated eight acres to the Johnston County Industrial Development Corporation (JCIDC), a non-profit corporation, which identified Johnston Community College as a site for a 30,000-square-foot training center. JCIDC entered into a management agreement with Johnston Community College to staff and run curriculum as well as continuing education courses from this facility. Groundbreaking for this facility was held in August 2004. Construction is expected to be completed in August 2005.