Grifols celebrates 50 years in Johnston County as area continues to embrace biotech Johnston County is quickly becoming a biotech hub. In just the last decade, more than 1,500 jobs have been added at two of the biggest companies in the area, Grifols and Novo Nordisk. A closer look shows us how the area is embracing this type of industry. Grifols is one of multiple biopharma companies in Johnston County. It’s a county that was known for agriculture but now is quickly becoming a leader in life science manufacturing. The Grifols Clayton manufacturing plant has a sprawling campus over roughly 250 acres. Inside this multibillion-dollar biotech facility, plasma-based medicines are created. Thursday, the company celebrated this plant’s 50th anniversary in operation. “We are ready to go for the next 50 years,” said Grifols CEO Nacho Abia. “I think the investment that’s been done here is going to be the base for continuous production and growth that we will have in this area of the world.” Part of that investment includes the development of the biotech workforce. Johnston County high school students can now take classes that certify them in biotech meaning they can get a job that pays well right after graduation. “It’s so important for our young people today to understand they can have a career in biopharmaceutical without attending a 4-year university,” said Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod. “There is so much opportunity right in your own backyard.” Novo Nordisk is another big name in biotech in this area. Both companies have purchased even more land near their facilities over the last few years. Each plans to continue to expand it’s operations and add even more jobs. “To a growing extent the availability of a workforce that is learning and knows this biotechnology industry and that has helped the growth of all of the businesses in this area that are making use of that and really making this a biotechnology hub,” said Doug Burns, VP and Clayton Grifols plant site head. In just the last decade, Grifols has invested a billion dollars into its Clayton campus. Abia said the plan is to continue to invest in order to eventually double what they can produce from this facility.
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