Steris Announces $600M North Carolina Factory Expansion, 335 New Jobs Expected

Medical device manufacturer Steris is set to significantly expand its presence in North Carolina with a new factory in Sanford, Lee County. The project, announced in August 2026, involves an investment exceeding $600 million and is expected to generate 335 new jobs by 2030, marking a major economic boost for the region.

Major Investment in Sanford’s Manufacturing Sector

The planned Steris factory represents one of the largest recent investments in Lee County’s industrial landscape. State officials revealed during the August 5, 2026, meeting of the Department of Commerce’s Economic Investment Committee that the company aims to complete its investment by the end of 2030. This new facility will expand Steris’s footprint beyond its current operations in the Research Triangle Park area, emphasizing North Carolina’s growing role in the medical device industry.

With a capital outlay estimated at over $600 million, the project underscores Steris’s confidence in the local workforce and infrastructure. The new factory will manufacture specialized medical devices, supporting both domestic and international healthcare markets.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

The expansion is projected to create 335 new full-time jobs over the next four years. According to state data, the average annual wage for these jobs will be around $70,000, about 17% higher than Lee County’s private sector average. This wage premium highlights the quality and skilled nature of the positions Steris plans to offer.

Local leaders have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to stimulate the Sanford economy, citing increased employment opportunities and secondary benefits to local businesses. The influx of well-paying jobs is expected to enhance the community’s economic stability and growth.

Incentives and Local Support

To support the expansion, the state and local governments have approved a comprehensive incentives package. The North Carolina Economic Investment Committee greenlit up to $3.2 million in state incentives contingent on Steris meeting employment and investment goals.

Additionally, Lee County commissioners approved tax breaks of up to $12.9 million on July 13, while the Sanford City Council followed with a package worth up to $11 million on July 21. These incentives will be distributed over seven years, incentivizing Steris to fulfill its commitments on job creation and capital investment.

Such public-private partnerships are designed to attract and retain high-impact manufacturers, boosting the regional economy while ensuring accountability through milestone-based payouts.

Industry and Regional Significance

Steris’s expansion in Sanford reinforces North Carolina’s standing as a hub for medical device manufacturing. The state’s skilled workforce, strategic location, and favorable business climate have attracted numerous companies in the healthcare sector.

By enhancing manufacturing capacity in Lee County, Steris is contributing to the diversification of the local economy, which has traditionally relied on agriculture and textiles. This move aligns with broader statewide efforts to promote advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industries.

The new factory is expected to be operational and fully staffed by the end of 2030, marking a significant milestone for Sanford and the surrounding region. As Steris moves forward with this expansion, the company’s impact on employment and economic growth will be closely watched by community leaders and industry observers alike.