Bracco to invest $230M in first U.S. contrast media manufacturing facility
Bracco announced Tuesday that it plans to invest $230 million to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility for injectable contrast media.
The move is aimed at expanding domestic production capacity and strengthening the supply chain for diagnostic imaging agents, which has previously proven to be vulnerable to disruption. The facility, which will be located in Sanford, North Carolina, is expected to create 200 jobs across manufacturing, engineering, technical operations, quality, warehousing and administrative functions.
The company said the additional sterile manufacturing capacity will help it meet growing demand for contrast-enhanced imaging, better respond to customer needs and improve the resilience of its supply chain in the United States, which represents its largest market. Bracco Imaging’s global manufacturing network currently includes established operations in Europe, Asia and Canada, where it produces contrast agents used for numerous imaging modalities.
Bracco has signaled that the Sanford location was chosen for its skilled workforce, already established life sciences sector and environment for advanced manufacturing. The investment is expected to contribute to continued growth in the state’s life sciences industry while also addressing supply challenges for the U.S. as a whole.
"Producing injectable contrast media here in Sanford brings our supply closer to American hospitals and patients and makes it even more resilient,” Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, vice chairman and CEO of Bracco Imaging, said in an announcement. “We chose North Carolina for its talent and life sciences ecosystem. As a family-owned company, we invest for the long term, and we look forward to growing with the Sanford community for decades to come."
“I am pleased to welcome Bracco and its investment to North Carolina,” added Governor Josh Stein. “Our longstanding strengths in manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development have created a robust ecosystem that gives companies like Bracco the confidence to invest here.”
Bracco did not specify a timeline for construction or when the facility is expected to begin operations.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.