ConvaTec to Expand in Greensboro

The Greensboro Economic Development Alliance just announced a significant expansion by ConvaTec, a global medical device manufacturer and long-time Greensboro employer. The company will expand its ostomy wafer line and attract a new ostomy pouch operation to its 211 American Avenue plant.

ConvaTec plans to hire 30 machine operators and mechanics at an average wage of more than $44,000 per year. The company will convert warehouse space to manufacturing, and invest $19.55 million in machinery, equipment and building projects.

“As a medical device company, ConvaTec is an important part of our local life sciences industry. Securing this expansion here in Greensboro should help keep the local facility viable and growing for the longer term,” stated Dan Lynch, president of Greensboro Economic Development Alliance. “By partnering with the local facility and showing local and state support for this project, we were able to convince the company to grow in Greensboro rather than overseas.”

Formerly a division of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, as of August 1, 2008, ConvaTec is owned by Cidron Healthcare Limited. The company focuses on four key business divisions – ostomy care, wound therapeutics, continence and critical care and infusion devices. ConvaTec has received the North Carolina “Star” Certification recognizing that the company is a leader in health and safety.

Thomas Brugnoli, ConvaTec plant director and general manager of global manufacturing and supply chain, stated, “We are pleased to announce this expansion and appreciate the community support we received. We are proud of our success in Greensboro over the past 29 years and look forward to the implementation of this state-of-the-art project.”

The Greensboro Economic Development Alliance (GEDA) worked closely with ConvaTec representatives throughout the site selection process. GEDA extends special thanks to the Greensboro City Council, the Guilford County Commissioners, the North Carolina Community College System, Duke Energy and the North Carolina Department of Commerce for all of their support for this expansion.

$26-million Investment Hits North Carolina

Precor Incorporated, one of the most respected brands in fitness equipment, announced today that they will open a new Southeast manufacturing, assembly and distribution facility at Rock Creek Center in Eastern Guilford County, North Carolina. The company will invest $26.2 million and build a 225,000-square-foot, LEED-certified building to accommodate its operations. Precor plans to hire approximately 142 employees by 2011. Those employees will receive an average wage of $38,456. The facility will also be the headquarters for the Precor Strength Division.

Precor received an economic development incentive grant from Guilford County, which strengthened its decision to locate a new facility there. “This is an exciting time for Greensboro,” says Guilford County Commissioner Chairman Skip Alston. “We welcome Precor with open arms.”

Rock Creek Center is a strategic location for Precor because of the easy access to I-40/85 that the site affords. Precor also was attracted by the excellent training opportunities in welding, machining, and upholstery available through Guilford Technical Community College. “GTCC is such an integral partner in attracting Precor to the area,” says Greensboro Economic Development Alliance Chairman, Chuck Cornelio. “Guilford County has so much to offer new companies and we did everything in our power to make their location decision process as seamless as possible. We are thrilled to have a new manufacturing, assembly, and distribution center as well as a new divisional headquarters. I can’t think of a better Christmas present for Greensboro and Guilford County.”

The Greensboro Economic Development Alliance (GEDA) worked closely with Precor representatives throughout the site selection process. GEDA also recognizes the Guilford County Commissioners, the North Carolina Community College System, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and Duke Energy for their efforts in bringing Precor to Guilford County.