Existing Business and Industry

The Clayton Town Council has adopted as one of its fundamental goals to become “A Regional Service Center.” As such Clayton is the economic engine that powers the thriving economy of Johnston County. Home to major pharmaceutical and manufacturing facilities Clayton has avoided any labeling as a “bedroom community” by hosting major industries, a thriving medical community, and explosive retail.

Among the major employers are Talecris Biotherapeutics, a high tech manufacturer of pharmaceuticals that develops and produces critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas including immunology, pulmonology, and hemostasis. Additional biopharmaceuticals include Novo Nordisk an international manufacturer of insulin and related products and Hospira a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication deliver company. Clayton’s employment base includes ten percent of all biopharmaceutical jobs within the State of North Carolina.

Although fortunate to have so strong a pharmaceutical base, Clayton has a diverse economy and is proud to include the Building and Construction Products Division of industrial giant Caterpillar as a major employer. The Caterpillar name is known world-wide, and their premier line of backhoes and rubber tire loaders are assembled in Clayton, North Carolina.

The medical services sector has recently come to recognize Clayton as a major hub for business and growth and this recognition has resulted in substantial new investment in facilities and expansion of available services to Clayton and the surrounding communities. Clayton is host to facilities affiliated with WakeMED, Johnston Memorial Hospital and Duke Hospital at Clayton, Summit Medical Park. Beyond the major care facilities Clayton also offers a surprising field of Primary Care Physicians, Dentists, and medical specialists.

Beyond the “big boys” Clayton boasts a real entrepreneurial spirit with homegrown and newly relocated business people realizing the American dream in the construction and real estate sectors, specialty retail, and hospitality industry. Downtown Clayton is a quaint and historic area with charming businesses, excellent professional and financial services, and an enjoyable nightlife. See the “Downtown” tab under For Business for more detail. For the convenience minded shopper Clayton offers numerous full service shopping centers and super stores along its major roadways.

Finally, Clayton is very fortunate to exist in such a unique and vibrant area. Just fifteen miles southeast of the State Capital of Raleigh, Clayton is within one of the most business friendly and rapidly growing areas in the Nation. Located along the major highways of US 70 and NC 42, Clayton is five minutes from Interstate 40 and ten minutes from Interstate 95. Research Triangle Park is an easy commute from Clayton and its location just east of the Triangle means that home buyers enjoy significant value when investing in the Clayton market.