Triangle Region Courting Companies that could create 13,000 jobs.

Triangle Region Courting Companies that could create 13,000 jobs.

There is a spot of good news heading this way from economic developers from the Triangle region who are courting 58 companies that could create 13,000 jobs.

Charles Hayes, chief, executive officer of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership says "the difference for the Triangle region is that a record number of companies are choosing to invest here to build their future" "We're encouraged by the diversity of companies announcing expansion plans"


The 13 counties making up the partnership include: Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren.


Investments and expansions noted by Hayes in his report included:

• EMC Corp planning a $280 million construction of a new research facility and data center in Durham County, adding nearly 300 jobs, as well as adding 100 new jobs at its manufacturing plant in Wake County.

• IEM, an international risk management and disaster modeling consulting company, moving its global headquarters from Louisiana to RTP in Durham County, creating 430 jobs over the next six years.

• Palziv North America, a developer and manufacturer of thermoplastic cross-linked polyethylene foam for consumer and industrial uses, purchased a plant in Franklin County formerly used for traditional manufacturing. It is investing nearly $8 million to renovate the space for manufacturing operation and new North American headquarters, creating 80 to 100 jobs.

• Talecris Biotherapeutics plans a $269 million expansion of its manufacturing plant in Johnston County, creating more than 250 jobs.

• Carl Zeiss Optronics USA, the Germany-based global provider of optical and optronic products and services for defense and security uses. Is establishing a U.S. headquarters in Wake County.

• SAS, Wake County, $70 million expansion.

• Shalag Industries, Granville County, $17 million new investment, 72 jobs.

• Deutsche Bank Global Technology, Wake County, $6.7 million new investment, 319 jobs.

• North American Aerodynamics Inc., Person County, $900,000 expansion, 375 jobs.

Hayes pointed out that a big portion of the $1.9 billion figure is a $700 million plan by Duke’s medical system for a massive expansion.

Hayes also noted that 2010 is off to a strong start with several announcements made for expansion or new business. Some $93 million in projects that will create approximately 1,000 jobs have been disclosed.