GREENSBORO, N.C. — ProKidney Corp. plans to invest up to $485 million and create nearly 330 jobs with an average pay of $74,636.
ProKidney operates out of Winston-Salem working to treat chronic kidney disease. But, company leaders are looking at possibly growing near PTI airport in Greensboro.
The new biomanufacturing facility will prepare for future commercial manufacturing of Renal Autologous Cell Therapy.
ProKidney’s approach utilizes a patient’s own kidney cells in the treatment process. The company’s project in Guilford County will establish a 210,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that looks to feature multiple breakthroughs in the manufacturing automation, supply chain, and medical delivery of cellular therapy products.
“This purchase represents an important component of our strategic manufacturing buildout,” said Dr. Tim Bertram, Chief Executive Officer of ProKidney. “With a staged investment strategy based on the clinical trial success of REACT, potential regulatory approval, and ultimately commercial demand, if approved, we intend, along with our current Winston-Salem facility, to supply enough REACT to match initial commercial demand. Subject to the outcome of the proact 1 and proact 2 clinical trials, we are targeting a Biological Licensing Agreement submission for Food and Drug Administration approval of REACT in 2026. Approval is projected to be followed by a possible commercial launch in the U.S. later that year. With these timelines in mind, we are developing our infrastructure in preparation for ProKidney’s potential shift to a commercial organization.”
Governor Roy Cooper's office said although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new positions is estimated to be $74,636. The current average wage in Guilford County is $57,190.
ProKidney’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee.
The governor's office said over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $1.7 billion.
Because ProKidney chose a site in Guilford County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 2, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $570,300 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account.
The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 2 county such as Guilford, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state.