Mako Announces $15.4M Expansion in Henderson, Plans 153 New Jobs
Raleigh-based Mako Medical Laboratories, a fast-growing diagnostic services company, will create 153 jobs over five years in Henderson, where it plans to build a $15.4 million testing facility with warehousing space.“This location and facility will allow Mako to compete with global life science companies and be strategically positioned to roll out new cost-effective products and services,” founder and CEO Chad Price said in a news release announcing the expansion.
The new facility in Henderson will serve as the company’s main distribution point for all consumables and supplies needed in 10 other states. It will add a variety of job functions including scientists, chemists, lab technicians and logistics personnel.
Although salaries will vary by position, the average wage across all positions will be $51,987, higher than the current Vance County average wage of $32,768.
“Life science companies find the ingredients for success here in North Carolina thanks to our skilled workforce and our strong business climate,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “Biotech is thriving across our state, and I’m proud to welcome Mako Medical to Vance County.”
Mako’s expansion will be supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over the 12-year course of the grant, the project will add an estimated $226 million to the state’s economy.
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 $3.16 million, spread over 12 years. State payments are subject to Mako achieving job-creation and investment targets, as verified by the departments of Commerce and Revenue.
JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after grant- reimbursement payments to a given company.
Mako serves medical and health care facilities across the United States with a suite of diagnostic assays for blood, urine, genetics and allergy testing. It also performs next-generation DNA sequencing in support of bioscience research and drug clinical trials.
The company has won awards for innovation and as a best place to work. It recently became the only company ever to be ranked No. 1 two years in a row by Triangle Business Journal as the region's fastest-growing company.
Mako employs 169 people in North Carolina and hundreds more around the country. The company is known for hiring military veterans for many of its positions.
“Nimble, fast-growing companies like Mako Medical Laboratories are the perfect match for our state,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “From our friendly business climate to a workforce that’s experienced with life science manufacturing and procedures, North Carolina offers many advantages for companies in this industry.”
The Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina led the state’s support for Mako’s expansion. Other partners included the General Assembly, the N.C. Community College System, the City of Henderson, Vance County, the Salvation Army of Henderson and the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission.
“Our team would like to thank all of those involved in this process,” Price said. “The professionalism, speed, and ease of this site selection has made North Carolina the easiest state to do business in.
Barry Teater, NCBiotech Writer