Medline Industries, Incorporated, a manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, will create 250 new jobs in Orange County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $65 million to build a brand-new distribution center in Mebane.
“Distribution centers of this size are the right fit for North Carolina. Our workers and Orange County are ready to be a part of Medline’s success” said Governor Cooper.
Medline is a healthcare company and the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies. The company delivers medical devices and supplies to hospitals, independent physician practices, critical care units, surgical centers, home healthcare and EMS providers. The company had an early start making medical garments in Chicago in 1910 and added general medical supplies to its product line during World War II. With the fourth generation at the helm, Medline remains a family-owned business, and has grown to manufacture and distribute more than 550,000 products to more than 90 countries.
The Mebane location will be a 1.2 million square-foot LEED certified distribution center. At full capacity, the company anticipates the distribution center will operate with more than 600 employees in the future.
“As we expand our footprint to help reach more healthcare providers in the Southeast, Mebane is an ideal location for a distribution facility. The immediate proximity to major highways enables easy transport of supplies to healthcare providers,” says Bill Abington, executive vice president of Global Operations for Medline. “We appreciate the collaboration from Governor Roy Cooper and other key stakeholders from across the state and look forward to expanding into Mebane and creating new job opportunities for local residents.”
“North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Medline’s decision situates them in the Research Triangle Region, the ecosystem of our state’s world-class healthcare and eight hours from any location on the East Coast.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) led the state’s support for the company’s decision.
Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average for all new positions could reach up to $35,468. The current average annual wage in Orange County is $46,112.
A performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Medline’s expansion in Orange County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“Medline Industries will find great success in Orange County,” said N.C. Senator Valerie P. Foushee. “Bringing 250 new jobs is exciting news and we welcome them to our community.”
“This is a great day for the City of Mebane,” said N.C. Representative Verla Insko. “It’s a prime location for a company of this caliber.”
“Medline’s investment is a win for families in our community and the economy of the entire state,” said N.C. Representative Graig R. Meyer. “We stand ready to support their expansion into Orange County.”
In addition to N.C. Commerce and the EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Duke Energy, Orange County Board of Commissioners and Manager’s Office, Orange County Economic Development Office and the City of Mebane.
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