Almac Group Selects Durham for 79-Job Expansion

Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina announced today that Almac Group Inc. will expand its operations in the City of Durham, creating 79 new jobs over the next three years. The company plans to invest $5.2 million in its expansion there.


“North Carolina’s improving business climate, talented workforce and role in life sciences contract research makes it the ideal location for a company like Almac Group,” said Governor McCrory. “Almac has bold plans for growing its clinical trials management businesses around the world, and they will do that from North Carolina’s Research Triangle.”


Headquartered in Craigavon, United Kingdom, Almac Group is a privately-held, global contract development and manufacturing organization providing a wide range of services to the worldwide biopharma industry. Almac employs over 4,500 individuals across facilities in Asia, Europe and North America. Its existing workforce in Durham totals 288.


“Almac Group joins a long list of contract research organizations that have made North Carolina a top destination for companies engaged in clinical trials,” said Secretary Skvarla. “Nothing speaks more powerfully to the quality of our workforce and business climate than global companies like Almac announcing they will expand and hire here.”


Almac Group’s expanded operations in Durham will employ a broad range of positions in contract research and clinical trials management. Compensation will vary by position, but the new jobs will average $69,979 in compensation. Durham County’s overall average annual wage is currently $66,913. 


“Due to significant industry demand for our range of services it is essential we expand to ensure Almac can continue to compete at a global level,” said Alan Armstrong, CEO Almac Group. “Our presence in Durham has experienced tremendous success and we are excited to make a further commitment to the area signifying our confidence in the pool of talent and skill right on our doorstep. We appreciate the support provided by both the state of North Carolina and the City of Durham and look forward to continued success in the region.”


Almac Group’s expansion in North Carolina was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $77,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local governments in creating jobs and attracting economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for grant funds. All One NC grants require a local government match.


Since Governor McCrory entered office in January 2013, North Carolina’s economy has generated more than 300,000 new jobs.


In addition to North Carolina Commerce and EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Revenue, the City of Durham, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Durham County.