Cook Medical to Convert Former Cigarette Facility to Medical Device Manufacturing

“To turn part of the R.J. Reynolds building into a life-saving and life-changing medical device manufacturing facility is an exciting transformation,” said Barry Slowey, president of Cook Medical’s Winston-Salem facility. “We’re proud to reinvest in the community, the history and the local economy.”

Built in 1961, the 850,000 square-foot facility will be home to Cook Medical’s current workforce of more than 650 employees in Winston-Salem. Production at the facility ended in 2012. With a history of revitalizing once-vacant buildings, Cook plans to invest in the property so it will once again be an economic driver for the community.

“We need the new space to modernize and transform our operations and manufacturing that will continue providing innovative technologies to help treat patients around the world,” Slowey continued. “The flexibility that the R.J. Reynolds space provides will allow us to purpose build for efficiency in our production lines.”

The completion of the acquisition is subject to certain conditions, including inspections of the property and finalization of agreements with the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and the state of North Carolina and is expected to occur in the third quarter of this calendar year.

About Cook Medical

Since 1963 Cook Medical has worked closely with clinicians to develop technologies that eliminate the need for open surgery. Today we are combining medical devices, biologic materials and cellular therapies to help the world's healthcare systems deliver better outcomes more efficiently. We have always remained family owned so that we have the freedom to focus on what we care about: patients, our employees and our communities. Find out more at cookmedical.com, and for the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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