Veterinary equipment maker plans to hire 275 people in Wilson at new $147M plant

Veterinary medical device firm Idexx Laboratories plans to build a $147 million plant and hire 275 people in Wilson County, according to state officials.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce's Economic Investment Committee met Tuesday to approve an incentives package worth up to $5.2 million for the project.

Idexx, which is based in Westbrook, Maine, makes equipment and software that tests milk and water quality. Its products help identify diseases in livestock and pets. The company plans to make diagnostic equipment at the Wilson plant. Idexx also considered sites in the Atlanta area before choosing Wilson.

The company has enjoyed steady growth over the past decade, recording increases in annual revenue each year. The company reported $3.66 billion in revenue in 2023, up 8.6% from the previous year.

An Idexx spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The incentives package includes a jobs grant worth up to $3.9 million over 12 years. Incentives would be paid out if the company hits investment and hiring targets. The project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $1 billion.

The jobs would be created over five years and pay an average of almost $66,000 — about 25% above the county average, officials said.

City of Wilson and Wilson County officials also approved a total of up to $5.2 million in local incentives, the state said.

It’s the latest medical device company to announce a major expansion in the five-county eastern North Carolina region known as the BioPharma Crescent. The area has been a magnet for companies in the biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Last week, Japanese medical device maker Nipro Medical Corp., said it is planning a $398-million expansion that would bring more than 230 jobs to Greenville in Pitt County.

In June, Novo Nordisk announced a $4.1 billion expansion that is expected to create 1,000 new, high-paying jobs in Johnston County — the biggest life-sciences investment in state history, according to economic developers.

And in March, Biopharma device manufacturer Schott Pharma USA Inc. plans to create 401 jobs as part of a $371 million investment in Wilson County.

“Our region is seeing great momentum in economic development, and we’re excited to welcome these new jobs to Wilson County,” state Sen. Buck Newton, R-Wilson, said in a statement. “Idexx’s decision to locate operations in our region shows people around the world that we’re the perfect location for tomorrow’s global industries.”

The Idexx deal was one of two major economic development announcements by the state Tuesday. Officials also approved incentives for American Titanium Metal LLC, which plans to invest $867.8 million in a reclamation plant, where it would employ at least 304 full-time staff members, according to state officials.