Bracco’s first American contrast media plant aims to strengthen medical supply chains and create 200 jobs in North Carolina
Milan, 28 October 2026 – Bracco, a global diagnostic imaging company, has announced a $230 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility for injectable contrast media in Sanford, North Carolina. The project is expected to create 200 jobs while expanding domestic production capacity and strengthening the supply chain for medical imaging products.
The investment marks an important step in the company’s manufacturing strategy as demand for diagnostic imaging continues to grow. The new facility will bring production closer to hospitals and healthcare providers across the United States, which represents Bracco’s largest market.
Injectable contrast media play an important role in medical imaging procedures. These substances help doctors see organs, blood vessels and other structures more clearly during scans, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and certain X-ray examinations. Clearer images can help healthcare professionals assess medical conditions and make informed decisions about patient care.
By establishing a manufacturing facility in North Carolina, Bracco aims to improve the availability of these products and make its supply network more resilient. The new site will complement the company’s existing production operations in Europe, Asia and Canada, giving it a more geographically diverse manufacturing network.
The expansion is also expected to help the company respond more effectively to changing customer needs. Greater local production capacity could support supply continuity and reduce dependence on manufacturing operations located farther from American healthcare facilities. However, the company has not announced a specific construction timeline or an expected opening date for the new plant.
Bracco selected Sanford because of its skilled workforce, established life sciences sector and supportive environment for advanced manufacturing. The region offers access to technical talent and an industry ecosystem that can support specialised pharmaceutical production.
The project is expected to create 200 positions across several functions, including manufacturing, engineering, technical operations, quality control, warehousing and administration. These opportunities could contribute to the region’s employment growth while supporting the development of its life sciences industry.
Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, vice chairman and CEO of Bracco Imaging, said the investment would bring production closer to American hospitals and patients while strengthening supply reliability. He also highlighted North Carolina’s workforce and life sciences capabilities as important factors in the company’s decision.
Founded in 1927, Bracco Group operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 4,000 people worldwide. The company develops diagnostic imaging products, including contrast agents used in CT, MRI and X-ray procedures, as well as technologies supporting ultrasound and molecular imaging. Its portfolio also includes artificial intelligence based solutions for medical imaging.
The Sanford project reflects a broader focus on strengthening healthcare manufacturing capacity and supporting access to essential diagnostic products. As medical imaging remains central to disease detection and clinical decision making, dependable access to contrast agents is an important consideration for hospitals and diagnostic centres.
With its planned investment, Bracco is positioning its U.S. operations for future demand while contributing new jobs and advanced manufacturing capabilities to North Carolina’s life sciences sector.