Italy-Based Bracco Plans Sanford, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations

Area Development News Desk

10/30/2026

Italy-based diagnostic imaging company Bracco Imaging plans to establish operations in Sanford, North Carolina. The $230 million project is expected to create 200 jobs in Lee County.

The investment will include the construction of a new manufacturing facility for injectable contrast media, which is used in medical imaging procedures.

“For almost 100 years, Bracco has been guided by one purpose: improving people’s lives. The United States is our largest market and home to many of the patients we serve,” said Bracco Imaging Vice Chairman and CEO Fulvio Renoldi Bracco. “Producing injectable contrast media here in Sanford brings our supply closer to American hospitals and patients and makes it even more resilient. 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.”

To support the project, the company was awarded a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee. The 12-year agreement authorizes potential reimbursements of up to $2,859,300, contingent upon annual verification of job creation and investment targets by the North Carolina departments of Commerce and Revenue. The project is estimated to increase the state's economy by $1.78 billion over the grant term, with a projected return on investment of 397 percent.

Additionally, the JDIG agreement calls for transferring up to $317,700 into the state's Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account, which supports infrastructure improvements in rural communities.

“Bracco’s decision to choose Lee County reflects the strength of our region’s life sciences sector and the momentum we continue to build,” noted North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Through the First in Opportunity strategic plan, we’re advancing workforce training, encouraging innovation, and creating an environment where companies can grow, innovate, and deliver long-term economic value.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), project partners include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce's Division of Workforce Solutions, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, North Carolina Community College System, Central Carolina Community College, Lee County, Sanford Area Growth Alliance, City of Sanford and Duke Energy.

Bracco is a healthcare company specializing in diagnostic imaging products, medical devices, and pharmaceutical technologies.

“We understand that speed to market is important for them, and we expect them to move forward expeditiously with their plans for the facility here, but we have not discussed specific timelines for hiring or production,” added Sanford Area Growth Alliance CEO Jimmy Randolph.

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