AAIPharma/CML Expands North Carolina Lab Operations And Facility HQ

AAIPharma/CML-Wilmington-NC
(Credit: StarNews)

AAIPharma Services Corp./Cambridge Major Laboratories (AAIPharma/CML) is expanding its laboratory operation and global headquarters in Wilmington, NC and will create at least 37 new jobs by 2018. The company will invest at least $15.8 million for lab expansion and a new headquarters over the next three years. Additional jobs and investment are anticipated through 2019.

“The company’s success and continued growth in Wilmington highlights the fact that life science businesses are flourishing in every corner of North Carolina,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “Our state plays an increasingly key role in efforts to pioneer new treatments for people around the world, and this corporate expansion keeps that momentum going.”

AAIPharma/CML has operated in Wilmington for the past 30 years. AAIPharma and Cambridge Major Laboratories joined together in 2013 to form a fully integrated custom development and manufacturing organization. Its capabilities include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and drug product development, analytical services, manufacturing and packaging of drugs for every stage of drug development from pre-clinical through to commercial supply. The company provides a wide array of services and solutions to pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare companies in the U.S. and Europe. AAI Pharma/CML employs approximately 400 people across North Carolina and also has facilities in South Carolina, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Missouri and The Netherlands.

“When it comes to being able to attract, cultivate and retain high-impact talent, nothing compares to North Carolina,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III. “Supportive colleges and universities, business-friendly local and state government, and an enviable quality of life all make our state a top global destination for biotechnology jobs and businesses such as AAIPharma/CML.”

North Carolina’s life sciences industry accounts for $73 billion in annual economic output, second only to agriculture. The industry employs approximately 61,000 workers across more than 600 locations in the state, according to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

AAIPharma/CML plans to hire all levels of scientists as part of its expansion, as well as data specialists among other positions. Salaries will vary by job, but the average pay for the positions will be a minimum of $45,100 per year, plus a compensation package with health benefits. New Hanover County’s average annual income is currently $38,365.

The company’s expansion in North Carolina was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $50,000 from the One North Carolina Fund.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to work with local city, state and county governments to bring more jobs to North Carolina,” said Stephan Kutzer, CEO, President and Chairman of AAIPharma/Cambridge Major Laboratories. “State funding and support will help us strengthen our global headquarters in the Wilmington area and provide additional capacity for future growth.”

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to support efforts by local governments to create jobs and attract economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for grant payments. All One NC grants require a financial commitment from county or municipal governments.

Helping helping facilitate AAIPharma/CML’s expansion along with NC Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the North Carolina Community College System, the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County and Wilmington Business Development.