Johnston County town signs off on land for drug manufacturer's expansion

FOUR OAKS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Town leaders in Four Oaks have signed off on new land for the expansion of Denmark-based drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk.

Town commissioners approved the annexation of 70 acres of land into the Town of Four Oaks.

Construction is planned on the land for a new Novo Nordisk factory off Highway 96 between Spring Lake Road and Keen Road.

It was previously under Johnston County's jurisdiction, but Monday evening's vote allows Four Oaks to control the land.

Some residents voiced concerns Monday evening, saying they did not have enough information about the process and about the effect that the pharmaceutical company will have on their community.

"I don't think this is the right move, making it an industrial site," one resident said.

Novo Nordisk, which manufactures the popular weight loss and diet drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, already operates facilities in nearby Clayton and in Durham.

The news of the expansion came on the heels of last week's announcement that Novo Nordisk would lay off 9,000 employees as the company looks to "invest more behind its science, commercial capabilities, and manufacturing ramp-up."

"It's just not a good fit for our community as a whole around here," said local farmer Dean Benson, who said the property he tends would be affected. "We're a quiet neighborhood. It's always been family-owned down here. I mean, we do need development in Four Oaks. I agree with that. But this is just not the right type of environment."

WATCH: Full Four Oaks town hall meeting

At a town hall meeting on Monday, people in Four Oaks discussed the proposed Novo Nordisk expansion.

The annexation would mean a number of nearby residents would likely be annexed into the town limits.

"If I wanted to live in the city, I would have moved into the city," said resident Ellen Smith, whose property butts up against the proposed area.

A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk did not say whether any positions in Durham or Clayton would be affected. However, NC WARN notices for the company, which are required by law to be submitted in the event of layoffs, have not been submitted to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

A proposed expansion of Denmark-based drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk could make its way to Four Oaks,

A spokesperson also said additional employees could be notified as soon as this month, and others would learn of their position in "many months."

Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar was unavailable for comment.