State trade fact sheets - North Carolina

Saputo Expands in North Carolina

Quebec-based Saputo which produces, markets and distributes a wide array of dairy products including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients, has completed the acquisition of two businesses for $118 million. These businesses, which join Saputo’s Dairy Division under its USA Sector, are conducted at two facilities in North Carolina and employ approximately 230 people. Carolina Aseptic develops, manufactures, packages and distributes aseptic shelf-stable food products and beverages out of a purpose-built facility in Troy. In nearby Biscoe, Carolina Dairy manufactures, packages and distributes refrigerated yogurt in spouted pouches. This acquisition will help Saputo capture the growing demand for aseptic protein beverages and nutritional snacks. In the U.S., Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products.

Robotic Surgery with Titan Medical

Toronto’s Titan Medical Inc. is developing proprietary technology for robotic-assisted, single incision surgery that may allow patients less trauma, shorter hospitalization time, less scarring, faster recovery times and reduced post-operative pain. Current robotic assisted surgical systems typically involve three instruments and a camera, each requiring a separate incision. With single port robotic surgery, the number and size of access points is reduced, potentially decreasing the complications and use of post-operative pain medications associated with surgery. While the initial indication for use is expected to be benign gynecologic surgery, preclinical evidence suggests that the system may have applications in other subspecialties, including urologic, colorectal and general surgery. Titan chose Chapel Hill for their R&D facility because of the technical talent at local universities and the proximity to highly-regarded hospital systems.

Partners in Emergency Response

Through its subsidiary AirBoss Defense Group (ADG), Ontario manufacturer AirBoss of America Corp. fulfilled nearly $400 million in contracts to supply emergency response equipment and personal protective equipment to U.S. Government agencies during the pandemic. Their nitrile patient examination gloves, respirators, filters and hoods were part of the inventory for the U.S. Department of State, Office of Strategic Medical Preparedness, FEMA and CDC infectious disease treatment centers, cementing ADG’s reputation for being able to deliver large volumes of product on short timelines. ADG had to increase staffing in their Scotland Neck facility to help meet the need fueled by the COVID-19 crisis. ADG has provided personal protective equipment to emergency first response teams and hospitals in hundreds of U.S. cities, as well as more than 30 countries worldwide.