Science Corporation Selects Durham County for Expansion

Durham, N.C. - Durham County's life sciences manufacturing base continues to grow with the announcement tonight that Science Corporation will invest $65M and create more than 50 new jobs. The 57,000 square foot expansion and program investment at their TW Alexander Drive location will support semiconductor manufacturing for new, cutting-edge technologies, including for a groundbreaking visual prosthesis.

"On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I am excited to announce the expansion of Science Corporation's Foundry program right here in Durham, North Carolina," said Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam. "Their life-changing work is helping to make innovative medical devices a reality. I'm also very proud of the well-paying, entry-level manufacturing jobs this project will bring. Two-thirds of the new jobs require only a two-year degree or less, and nearly 90% of the jobs require 5 years of experience or less."

Science Corporation is a clinical-stage medical technology company and a leader in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Science is working to restore quality of life to those with debilitating conditions for which there are no treatment options, creating devices aimed at restoring vision, cognition, and mobility to patients who have lost it. With dozens of patients in six countries enrolled in ongoing clinical studies, Science is committed to translating innovations from bench to bedside for the benefit of everyone.

Science Corporation envisions their Durham County facility becoming their hub for manufacturing of next generation medical devices and as only the first in a series of large, capital-intensive projects.

"Our long-term goal at Science Foundry is to become the go-to manufacturing partner for the next generation of medical and brain-computer interface devices," said Kara Zappitelli, Director of Science Foundry. "We are excited to partner with Durham County and expand in the Triangle region as part of this mission. The construction of our proposed facility, and our state and local partnerships, will enable us to increase production and achieve our goals. We are thrilled to be a part of the Research Triangle community and are very grateful for this support."

"North Carolina has long been recognized as a global leader in both technology and the life sciences"”and today's announcement by Science Corporation provides the latest proof of our state's winning formula," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. "With our continuing focus on education and specialized workforce training, combined with the spirit of collaboration that companies enjoy here, North Carolina will continue to be a great place to do business for years to come."

Science Corporation's investment and expansion in Durham County will be facilitated, in part, by a $930,000 ten-year performance-based incentive award approved by the Durham County Board of Commissioners. All payments for the project will adhere to the Durham County Economic Development Incentive Policy and will only occur following annual performance verification that the company has met its job creation, investment, and community partnership targets. This includes maintaining that property taxes paid annually are at a minimum twice the scheduled payment amount.

"The work being done here by Science Corporation is the stuff of the future and will, hopefully, lead to transformative experiences for patients," stated Matt Gladdek, the Vice President for Economic Development at the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. "I'm proud to be a part of helping existing companies like this invest and grow in our community."

"Manufacturing projects are a top priority for Durham County, with great entry-level wages and benefits, and this project delivers just that," said Economic Development Manager Matthew Filter. "We have also been thoroughly impressed by Science Corporation's enthusiasm and willingness to partner with our community. I know they are excited to work with students at Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College, North Carolina Central University, and Duke University to prepare, train, and grow the next generation of life sciences talent."

Partnering with Durham County on this project are the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

For more information about this announcement, contact Durham County Economic Development Manager Matthew Filter at mfilter@dconc.gov.