An Ever-Expanding Hub for Biopharma
Johnston County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, thanks to its eleven rapidly expanding and welcoming communities. Bolstered by Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, and Benson, four towns with the highest population, the County’s overall economy is diversified with a balance of industrial, expanding commercial, and agriculture enterprises. All helped in part by easy access to Raleigh and RTP, located just 30 minutes away.
Grow With JoCo
Johnston County Data
Major Employers
County Spotlight
Workforce Development Center
The Workforce Development Center, located in Clayton, is a 30,000 square foot state-of-the-art educational and technical skills training center with a focus on life sciences programming, business training, and workforce development in biotechnology and other sciences.
The WDC is a collaborative effort between Johnston County, Johnston County Public Schools, Johnston County Economic Development and the College, as well as local industries.
The purpose of the Workforce Development Center is to create an education and training center to support local industries, including biopharma leaders Grifols and Novo Nordisk, by offering learning opportunities from elementary through post-secondary in science and biotech, and other areas of economic influence within the county.
Unique Developments and Contributions
The production of pharmaceutical products, heavy equipment, electronic components, and durable goods assembly operations and distribution centers have provided relatively stable employment to County residents, and have been the object of significant capital expenditures over the years. But the real cornerstone for Johnston County’s continued success is the appeal to firms in the life sciences industry. Two large biopharmaceutical companies – Grifols Therapeutics and Novo Nordisk, and two life science companies – Bayer Crop Science and SBM Life Science Corporation – employ over 3000 people near Clayton.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
- Intersected by both I-40 and I-95, offering convenient access in any direction
- Proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Research Triangle Park
- Johnston County Airport offers a 5,500-foot runway and accommodates aircraft up to 65,000 lbs. The Regional Airport contributes to $119,350,000 of the region's economic output.
- Low operating costs and access to manufacturing-savvy workers.
At Clayton plant, Grifols begins phase 3 testing for COVID-19 treatment
As FDA authorizes plasma to combat COVID-19, Clayton plant working on possible treatment
COVID-19 Brings Opportunities For Johnston County’s Economy
Connect with Johnston County
Interested in learning more about Johnston County? Get in touch with their economic development team.