Bringing the global market to North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper says he is working to make manufacturers from around the world interested in bringing their business to our state.

A global healthcare company will soon be bringing hundreds of new manufacturing jobs to the east

Cooper visited local leaders in Greenville to talk about creating a strong workforce that will attract more of these companies to our area.

"It's exciting for the Wilson area and for all of Eastern Carolina," Cooper says. "This is exactly the kind of advanced manufacturing that provides good paying jobs."

Fresenius Kabi, a global healthcare company, plans to hire nearly 450 workers over the course of the next five years.

Cooper says the east can bring more businesses and manufacturers like this to our state if we invest in educating a skilled and talented workforce.

"When I talk to the CEOs, the first question I get is not, 'What is your corporate tax?'" the governor explains. "It is, 'Do you have the people for the jobs I create? Do you have the skills? Do you have the talent?'"

Cooper spoke to a group of local leaders at the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce power lunch to emphasise the importance of growing an educated workforce to be able to attract things like car manufacturers.

Right now, North Carolina is currently one of two finalists for a Toyota-Mazda vehicle manufacturing plant that would bring up to 4,000 jobs. A decision on the plant is expected in the early part of 2018.

Beyond that, Cooper says the prospects of future economic development in the east is looking very positive.

The state says the healthcare company could get up to $7.2 million in grant money over the course of the next 12 years if it meets job creation and investment targets.

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Hundreds of new jobs are coming to Eastern Carolina, according to Governor Roy Cooper.

Fresenius Kabi will expand its pharmaceutical plant in Wilson County and hire another 445 workers over five years.

The plant specializes in making ready-to-administer syringes, and currently employs more than 100.

Fresenius Kalbi will expand its current facility on Corporate Parkway and construct a second manufacturing facility, also in Wilson.

The company bought the Wilson plant in January 2016 from Becton, Dickinson.

The company could get state job creation grants up to $7.2 million spread out over the next 12 years if it meets job creation and investment targets.