Brevard, NC-Brevard-based pharmaceutical research and development company PharmAgra Labs is slated to become Raybow (US) as the local company joins Raybow Pharmaceutical, a global pharmaceutical chemistry services provider based in Taizhou, China which currently represents more than 1,400 employees worldwide.
Located in Brevard, NC since 2003, co-founders Peter Newsome and Roger Frisbee transformed a 1960’s era textile building located in the Railroad Avenue district of Brevard, into a modern, high-tech, chemistry laboratory which has grown steadily from just a few dedicated employees to over 25 full-time staff members. Looking to the future, Raybow (US) in Brevard, NC will serve as the headquarters and research and development center for the company’s North American operations. The Brevard headquarters will be supported by sales and marketing offices in Los Angeles, CA, Princeton, NJ and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Peter Newsome, co-founder of PharmAgra said, “Our future with Raybow fits perfectly with our long-term goal of providing increased chemistry capabilities for our clients in all industries.” Roger Frisbee, co-founder added, “We are excited about expanding our operations in Brevard. This acquisition will provide career growth opportunities for our employees and support future economic development efforts in our community. Pete and I look forward continuing our work in Brevard which now includes increased global capabilities and reach.”
“PharmAgra Labs is a great example of the type of business which we hope to see grow in our community,” said Board of Commission Chairman Mike Hawkins. “Raybow (US) places Transylvania County on the global map of a fast-growing industry cluster. On behalf of the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners I would like to extend our warmest thanks and appreciation to both the local leadership team and to CEO, Mr. Bin Wang for placing their trust in Transylvania County. We wish them much success and stand ready to continue to be a partner to help Raybow (US) achieve continued growth in our community.”
City of Brevard Mayor Jimmy Harris commented, “Our City is extremely proud of Raybow Pharmaceutical’s investment in Brevard and we are excited to have the opportunity to be home to a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector. The City of Brevard is a special place and while located far from Taizhou City, China we couldn’t be more excited to serve as their home in North America. We look forward to growing and learning together.”
Mark Tooley, Chairman of the Transylvania Economic Alliance commented, “The Alliance’s primary goal is to support our local employers and help them realize opportunities for growth. When our local businesses succeed our community benefits. The manufacturing sector in our community, while not often the most visible sector has been responsible for a high percentage of the quality employment gains in Transylvania County over the past several years. This specific company milestone serves as an excellent example of the benefits of listening to existing businesses and being proactive to address weaknesses. As examples, in subsequent years (2017-2018), based on direct employer feedback the Alliance in coordination with the City of Brevard implemented important updates to setback and stormwater development ordinances to better align with economic development goals and more closely match existing built-conditions.”
Jake Dalton, Vice Chairman of the Alliance added, Raybow (US) is among the first international manufacturing divisions to join our community. We are on the global stage now and it serves as added motivation to continue our push for creative solutions to improve our light industrial development prospects. Looking forward if we don’t have industrial sites or building opportunities it is hard to grow industry clusters that represent high paying employment opportunities for current and future generations of Transylvanians.
The Transylvania Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to lead responsible economic development through engaging the private and public sectors to develop community assets that are needed to maximize opportunities for investment and quality job creation. For more information about the Alliance please visit www.transylvaniaalliance.com or contact Executive Director, Josh Hallingse at 828-393-4130. To learn more about Raybow Pharmaceutical please visit www.raybow.com.
