HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) — Governor Josh Stein spoke at the NCBioTech Summit in Charlotte, touting recent investment in the life sciences industry across the state. It comes less than one month after the groundbreaking of the latest biotech investment in the Triangle, Genentech’s major facility in Holly Springs.
That Genentech groundbreaking, which took place in late August, marked the first step in a $700 million facility that is expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the latest win for Wake County life sciences investment.
For the communities that are seeing that investment up close, it’s made a real difference.
“Seeing where Holly Springs was and where it’s going is amazing,” said India Matlock, owner of Asia’s Cakes on Main Street in Holly Springs.
For Matlock, who opened the downtown location 18 months ago, the decision to invest time and resources in Holly Springs’ future was largely driven by its growth.
“Choosing to open here in Holly Springs. It was a no-brainer when we just realized how much this town itself has been growing,” she said.
The Genentech investment is a line of several major investments in Southern Wake County, and is expected to generate roughly 1,500 construction jobs and more than 400 manufacturing jobs once the facility is up and running.
Across Holly Springs, from Asia’s Cakes to Bombshell Beer Company, it’s a major opportunity.
“It’s going to be a place that they can bring their families and hang out with their coworkers, meet neighbors, and we’re excited for it,” said Ellen Joyner, co-founder of the brewery.
According to Wake County Economic officials, in the last ten years, they’ve announced 17 biotech projects across the county that have created roughly 3,700 jobs and $5 billion in capital investment.
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen a lot of the growth, a lot of new entry into the market, and we have really seen success of the legacy life science companies, but also seeing that our university system has been able to recruit and train the workforce they need today and tomorrow,” said Albert Alwang, Director of Business Recruitment for Wake County Economic Development.
Alwang said he expects that to continue, given the area’s deep talent pool and the roots several companies have already planted.
“As they need to grow, they can only go in a handful of markets to grow at scale. And Raleigh, Durham, the Triangle Region, is one of those,” he said.
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