GREENVILLE, N.C., July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nipro Medical Corporation, a leader in the global healthcare and medical device industry, proudly announces its significant expansion in the United States with the establishment of its first North American manufacturing facility in Greenville, North Carolina. This strategic development is set to generate 232 new jobs and involve an investment of approximately $398 million over the next five years.
Governor Roy Cooper Welcomes Nipro to North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper expressed his enthusiasm about Nipro's decision to expand to North Carolina, highlighting the state's reputation as a center for advanced manufacturing. "We are delighted to welcome Nipro to North Carolina," Governor Cooper stated. "This initiative not only reinforces our status as a prime location for advanced manufacturing but also demonstrates our state's capability in providing a skilled workforce and a superior quality of life."
Nipro to Enhance Local Production and Job Creation
Founded in Japan, Nipro stands as a Tier 1 manufacturer renowned for its high-quality medical devices and healthcare solutions. Tsuyoshi Yamazaki, Senior Managing Director of Global Business at Nipro, shared his excitement about the new facility. "We are thrilled to start manufacturing our cutting-edge medical devices in the U.S., which will support local healthcare professionals and patients with a stable supply chain and reduced transportation costs," said Yamazaki. "Our close proximity to customers will allow us to better respond to their needs and provide them with timely and effective solutions."
This investment highlights Nipro's commitment to innovation, growth, and environmental sustainability.
By establishing manufacturing in the United States, Nipro will significantly reduce global transportation needs, cutting down on carbon emissions. This initiative underscores Nipro's dedication to minimizing environmental impact and fostering a sustainable future. "Our new facility in Greenville is a major milestone in our sustainability journey, reflecting our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint," said Mr. Yamazaki. Nipro continues to lead by example in the medical device industry, championing environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
A Testament to International Commitment
Akira Shimizu, CEO of Nipro Medical Corporation, reflected on the significant impact of this expansion. "This new facility marks a major milestone in Nipro's commitment to the U.S. market, allowing us to deliver high-quality medical devices that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life across the country," said Shimizu.
Significant Economic Impact and Job Opportunities
The new facility in Pitt County marks Nipro's first venture into producing advanced medical devices directly in the U.S. market. The advanced manufacturing site will host a range of positions from engineering and production to administrative and management roles. Nipro values ownership, flexibility, and team spirit among its employees. People who are willing to make a difference and contribute to Nipro's mission are welcome to join and grow with the company.
North Carolina: A Hub for STEM and Manufacturing Talent
N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders noted, "North Carolina's rich environment for STEM talent and our robust manufacturing workforce make it an ideal location for global healthcare leaders like Nipro. Our commitment to fostering growth ensures that North Carolina remains at the forefront of medical innovation and manufacturing."
Supporting Patients with Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
The North Carolina facility is set to produce state-of-the-art medical devices that support patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other renal health issues, reflecting Nipro's commitment to enhancing the quality of patient care through innovative medical technologies.
Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and Inaugural Site Leader for the Greenville Medical Device Plant Anticipates Collaboration and Success
Krizay Elenitoba-Johnson, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and Inaugural Site Leader for the Greenville Medical Device Plant, expressed anticipation for the collaborative opportunities ahead. "I look forward to working with our dedicated team and the supportive community here to achieve great successes," Elenitoba-Johnson remarked.
Nipro Medical Corporation (https://www.nipro.com [nipro.com]), headquartered in Bridgewater, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nipro Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Established in 1954, our parent company employs more than 38,000+ team members and specializes in medical, pharmaceutical, and glass products. Nipro Corporation is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Nipro Announces Major Expansion with New Medical Device Manufacturing Facility in Greenville, North Carolina, USA
Limited-time collaboration quests and events inspired by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks
Animation's live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon (in theaters now), is now available in Ragnarok Online.
Exclusive in-game items and costumes offered as rewards for completing quests
BUENA PARK, Calif., July 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global gaming company Gravity, has collaborated with Universal Products & Experiences to launch a limited time event in its PC MMORPG Ragnarok Online. The event coincides with the theatrical release of Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation's live-action reimagining of How to Train Your Dragon, now playing in theaters worldwide.
The limited-time event, which runs until August 5, is available to players with Base Level 90 and above. During the collaboration event, the Abyss Lake in Ragnarok Online will be visited by Vikings and dragons from Berk. Players can embark on a story-driven quest to help young Viking Hiccup, his Night Fury dragon Toothless and their friends return to Berk.
Upon completing the main quest, players will unlock five related daily quests in sequence. Additional event quests are also available during the event. The main quest, The Strange Occurrence at Abyss Lake, can be initiated by engaging with the quest NPC Benjamin in Hugel. The daily quests can be accessed via five quest NPCs located in the event area, Serene Abyss Lake.
Each time a player completes a daily quest, they will receive a Viking Token, which can be exchanged for various in-game items, including the consumable Sharing Fish and exclusive costumes, including a Toothless costume, among others. Players can also look forward to limited-time costumes such as the Toothless Doll Helmet, Toothless Wings, Mini Toothless, and Toothless Hood.
For more information on the limited-time event, please visit the official Ragnarok Online website at https://renewal.playragnarok.com/news/eventdetail.aspx?id=1894&p=1.
About Ragnarok Online
First launched in 2002, Ragnarok Online has established itself as one of gaming's most resilient MMORPGs, blending 2D character sprites with 3D environments in a world inspired by Norse mythology. The game offers players unparalleled freedom to explore, battle, socialize, and craft their unique identities across a vast, interconnected world.
About Gravity Interactive, Inc.
Gravity Interactive, Inc., founded in California in 2003, has been at the forefront of bringing Gravity games to North American audiences and players worldwide. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gravity Co., Ltd., the company continues to support and expand the Ragnarok Online experience across multiple territories.
Major Titles
Gravity Interactive, Inc. has published and/or developed a variety of games, including Ragnarok Online (Launched in 2003 for North America), Requiem: Desiderium Mortis, Dragon Saga, Ragnarok Online 2, Midgard Heroes: Ragnarok Idle, Ragnarok Begins, and Ragnarok M: Eternal Love.
About the Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon
From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation's acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village's quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.
As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).
How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by four-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.
Inspired by Cressida Cowell's New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.
About Universal Products & Experiences
Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal's iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company's extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E's lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, along with Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com.
How to Train Your Dragon © 2025 Universal City Studios LLC & DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Gravity Launches How to Train Your Dragon Collaboration for Ragnarok Online
