Coming Soon: New Bio Jobs in the Triangle East
Planned life sciences park in Johnston County estimated to bring more than $6.2 million in economic benefits to the region.
A planned life sciences park in Johnston County will bolster an emerging industry in the Triangle East region of North Carolina.
Project Life Dust, developed by BioRealty Inc., plans to invest approximately $27 million in a three-building biosciences park in the town of Clayton. The first phase will construct 100,000 square feet of speculative space on a 67-acre, town-owned parcel. Two additional buildings are planned for the future. BioRealty will design, finance, build, operate and jointly market the project.
“This is a great project for us,” says Chris Johnson, director of economic development in Johnston County. “More companies are looking for existing buildings because of speed-to-market issues. Having this product on the ground is beneficial in landing these projects that provide good-paying, quality jobs for our residents.”
Construction of the initial building is expected to bring more than $6.2 million in economic benefits to the community. The project builds upon the biopharma cluster already in place in the region.
“It comes down to talent,” he says. “We are very fortunate to have three major universities in the Triangle along with our military installations. When companies are looking anywhere in the United States, attracting talent to fill positions is a key factor. We check that box.”
An excellent working relationship with Johnston Community College (JCC) and the public school system is also an asset, Johnson says. JCC runs the Workforce Development Center, which offers job seekers the opportunity to earn BioWork certificates. The certification means that potential employees have learned the basics including how to navigate company software.
The BioWork program is also offered in the public schools, giving students a leg up if they choose to enter the workforce after graduation.
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