British-Based Parexel International Eyes Durham, North Carolina, for Second U.S. Headquarters
05/31/2019
According to company officials, British-based Parexel will invest $1.7 million in the facility as it locates several headquarters functions to the state, including a range of operational and professional support functions. These employees will join Parexel’s more than 600 existing employees in North Carolina, expanding on operations in the state dating back to 1993.
Parexel International Corporation Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Kingdom-based West Street Holdings III Limited, provides a comprehensive suite of biopharmaceutical research and services to help its customers transform scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients. From clinical trials to regulatory and consulting services to commercial and market access, the company’s therapeutic, technical and functional ability is underpinned by a deep conviction in improving patient health.
“Parexel is pleased to announce our expanded presence and continued commitment to North Carolina through the establishment of a second U.S. headquarters in Durham,” said Parexel CEO Jamie Macdonald. “The talent pipeline we’ve been able to attract to our Durham operation as a result of the strong life sciences presence in the region has been outstanding, making it the ideal location to help fuel our future growth. We look forward to our expansion here, accelerating the development of innovative new therapies for patients and providing career development opportunities for employees in this rewarding field.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. led the state’s support for the company’s expansion.
Parexel’s expansion in Durham County will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project will grow the state’s economy by an estimated $869 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $4,194,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.
Because Parexel chose to expand in Durham County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving as much as $1,398,000 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Durham, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state. More information on the state’s economic tier designations is available here.
“North Carolina invented the Contract Research Organization model, an innovation that revolutionized the process of drug discovery and development,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “I’m pleased that one of the world’s largest CROs will now locate its second U.S. headquarters in our state, taking advantage of the world-class talent and educational resources available here.”
"North Carolina’s global leadership in clinical research continues to attract the world’s leading life science companies,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “We’re pleased that Durham’s talented workforce will support Parexel’s next phase of job growth and development.”
Partnering with N.C. Commerce and the EDPNC on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham County, and the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
Project Announcements
ValorFlex Packaging Plans Bowling Green, Kentucky, Production Operations
06/30/2025
Neuro.io Plans Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, Operations
06/30/2025
Germany-Based MTU Maintenance Expands Fort Worth, Texas, MRO Operations
06/30/2025
Cascade Die Casting Group Expands High Point, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
06/30/2025
BuildOps Plans Raleigh, North Carolina, Operations
06/30/2025
Point Blank Enterprises Plans Wakulla County, Florida, Operations
06/30/2025
Most Read
-
20th Annual Area Development Gold and Silver Shovel Awards
Q2 2025
-
First Person: Joe Capes, CEO, LiquidStack
Q2 2025
-
The Legal Limits of DEI in Incentives Agreements, Hiring, and Contracting
Q2 2025
-
From Silicon to Server: Mapping the Data Center Supply Chain
Q2 2025
-
39th Annual Corporate & 21st Annual Consultants Surveys: What Business Leaders and Consultants Are Saying About Site Selection
Q1 2025
-
Rethinking Life Sciences Site Selection in a Resilient and Dynamic Market
Q2 2025
-
Top States for Doing Business in 2024: A Continued Legacy of Excellence
Q3 2024