Bracco Imaging Puts $230 Million Into a Sanford Contrast Media Plant

SANFORD, N.C. — Bracco Imaging, the Milan-based diagnostic imaging company, will invest $230 million to open its first U.S. location, a sterile manufacturing plant in Sanford that will make injectable contrast media, Gov. Josh Stein announced Oct. 27. The project will create 200 jobs in manufacturing, engineering, technical, quality, warehousing, support and administrative roles, with a potential annual payroll impact of more than $20.6 million, according to the state.

The state's Economic Investment Committee approved a Job Development Investment Grant the same day that could reimburse the company up to $2,859,300 over 12 years, paid only after the company meets its job and investment targets. Because Lee County is a Tier 2 county, up to $317,700 more could go to a state fund for rural infrastructure. The release does not give an average wage or a construction timeline.