Wake County Economic Development joined regional partners in welcoming Callista L. Gingrich, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, for a daylong tour highlighting the strong and growing relationship between Switzerland and the Research Triangle. The visit showcased the companies, institutions, and communities that have helped make Wake County a premier destination for Swiss investment across life sciences, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and luxury brands.

Switzerland remains an important source of international investment in Wake County, with companies including UBS, ABB, Audemars Piguet, Genentech, Ypsomed, and Novartis choosing the region for growth and expansion. These investments support high-quality jobs, strengthen key industry sectors, and reinforce the Triangle’s position as a globally connected economy.

Showcasing Swiss Investment in Raleigh

A highlight of the visit was a stop at Audemars Piguet’s North American Service Center at Raleigh Iron Works.

In 2023, the Swiss luxury watchmaker announced plans to invest $22 million and create 105 jobs in Raleigh, selecting Raleigh as the home of its North American Service Center. The investment reflected the company’s confidence in the region’s workforce, quality of life, and business environment, further strengthening the longstanding economic relationship between Switzerland and Wake County.

The visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand how international companies are finding success in Wake County while contributing to the region’s growing innovation economy.

Spotlight on Swiss Life Sciences Leadership

The group’s visit also included a lunch discussion focused on the significant role Swiss life sciences companies play in the Research Triangle’s continued growth.

In recent years, several Swiss industry leaders have announced transformative investments across the region:

• Novartis announced a $771 million expansion in Durham and Wake counties expected to create more than 700 jobs, followed by an additional $200 million investment in Morrisville focused on active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing and RNA therapeutics.
• Genentech expanded its commitment in Holly Springs, bringing its total investment in its first East Coast manufacturing facility to approximately $2 billion.
• Ypsomed selected Holly Springs for its first North American manufacturing facility, committing $195.4 million and creating new opportunities within one of the nation’s fastest-growing life sciences clusters.

Together, these investments represent billions of dollars in capital investment and underscore the strength of the Research Triangle’s talent, infrastructure, collaborative ecosystem, and global reputation for life sciences innovation.

A Firsthand Look at Growth in Holly Springs and Morrisville

The afternoon portion of the tour included visits to Holly Springs and Morrisville, communities that have become key centers of life sciences growth in Wake County.

These stops highlighted the factors that continue to attract global companies to the region: a world-class talent pipeline, leading research institutions, collaborative public-private partnerships, modern infrastructure, and an environment that supports innovation at scale. The investments being made in these communities are helping expand advanced manufacturing capacity, create high-quality jobs, and advance the future of healthcare.

Strengthening Connections for the Future

As the visit concluded, one theme stood out clearly: the enduring partnership between Switzerland and the Research Triangle continues to create opportunities for businesses, communities, and residents alike.

From discussions on life sciences investment and workforce development to visits with industry leaders and growing international companies, the day showcased the many ways Swiss investment is contributing to the region’s success. Equally important, it reinforced the value of building and maintaining international relationships that support continued collaboration, innovation, and economic growth.

Wake County Economic Development was honored to welcome Callista L. Gingrich and participate in a visit that celebrated both the achievements of Swiss companies already operating in the region and the opportunities that lie ahead. As Wake County continues to attract global investment, the relationship between Switzerland and the Research Triangle remains a powerful example of how international partnerships can drive lasting impact.