Novonesis Named a Top Employer in North Carolina for 2026

FRANKLINTON, NC – March 09, 2026 – Novonesis, a global leader in the biosolutions sector, has secured a coveted spot on the 2026 list of Great Employers to Work for in North Carolina. In its first time receiving the honor, the company ranked 6th, a significant achievement awarded by the Best Companies Group (BCG), an independent research firm known for its rigorous evaluation of workplace cultures.

The recognition is not merely a corporate accolade; it is a direct reflection of the sentiments of the company's more than 700 employees across the state. The award's methodology is heavily weighted, with 75% of the final score derived from confidential employee surveys, providing a powerful, ground-up validation of a company's internal culture and employee satisfaction.

A Culture Validated by Employees

For Novonesis, the honor affirms a long-held philosophy. “At Novonesis, we believe people are at the heart of everything we do,” said Tue Micheelsen, President of Novonesis North America, in a statement. “Being named a Great Employer is especially meaningful because it is rooted in direct employee feedback. Our teams in North Carolina are passionate about our purpose — to better our world with biology — and this recognition affirms our commitment to creating a culture where people feel respected, supported, and inspired to make a difference.”

This philosophy is encapsulated in the company's mantra of offering employees ‘The biological choice’—a career that is not just a job, but a meaningful pursuit. The company fosters an environment where scientists, engineers, manufacturing specialists, and corporate professionals are encouraged to collaborate and innovate. This approach is critical in the highly competitive biotechnology industry, where attracting and retaining top-tier talent is paramount to success.

Darren Alfano, Head of People & Organization at Novonesis, emphasized the intentionality behind their workplace environment. “Our culture is rooted in respect, inclusion, and continuous learning,” Alfano stated. “We want every colleague to feel they belong, are challenged to grow, and can see the real-world impact of their work. This recognition reinforces that Novonesis is not just a great place to work, it’s a place to build a purpose-driven career.”

A Four-Decade Anchor in North Carolina's Biotech Hub

Novonesis is no newcomer to the Tar Heel State. With a presence spanning more than four decades, the company has become a pillar of North Carolina's thriving life sciences ecosystem. Its significant footprint includes major operations in Franklinton, Morrisville, and Durham, hubs of the state's famed Research Triangle region.

Among these facilities is North America’s largest multipurpose enzyme manufacturing plant, located in Franklinton. This site, along with the others, is instrumental in driving innovation across more than 30 different industries, from food and agriculture to health and energy. The biosolutions developed in these North Carolina facilities help customers worldwide produce more with fewer resources, reduce their environmental footprint, and improve the quality of everyday consumer products.

This deep integration into the state's economy makes the 'Great Employer' award more than just an internal victory. It positions Novonesis as a magnet for talent, strengthening North Carolina's reputation as a premier destination for biotechnology professionals. The company's commitment extends beyond its own walls through active engagement with state agencies, academic institutions, and industry organizations to bolster workforce development programs and expand STEM education pathways for the next generation of innovators.

The Rigor Behind the Recognition

The credibility of the 'Great Employer' title stems from the rigorous and independent process managed by Best Companies Group. For over 20 years, BCG has been a trusted leader in workplace culture research, using a two-part assessment to determine its rankings. The first part involves a comprehensive evaluation of a company's policies, practices, and demographics. The second, and most crucial part, is the confidential employee engagement and satisfaction survey.

This survey gives employees a platform to provide candid feedback on everything from leadership and planning to corporate culture, work environment, and overall satisfaction. By keeping responses anonymous, BCG ensures that the data reflects the true employee experience. For a company to rank highly, particularly in the top ten like Novonesis, it must demonstrate excellence across the board, showing that its stated values are genuinely experienced by its workforce on a daily basis.

“We are proud to honor Novonesis with this certification,” commented Jaime Raul Zepeda, Executive Vice President of Best Companies Group. “Their commitment to employee well-being, innovation, and excellence truly embodies what it means to be a Great Employer in North Carolina.”

Fueling Innovation Through a Purpose-Driven Workforce

In the complex world of biosolutions, where breakthroughs depend on scientific creativity and meticulous execution, a positive and empowering workplace is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity. The recognition as a top employer highlights a crucial link between a thriving internal culture and the high-impact innovation for which Novonesis is known.

By fostering an environment where employees feel valued and connected to a larger purpose, the company cultivates the engagement necessary to tackle complex global challenges. The work done by Novonesis teams in North Carolina directly contributes to creating more sustainable food systems, developing cleaner energy sources, and improving human health. This tangible impact provides a powerful motivator that goes beyond salary and benefits, fostering a deep sense of purpose that is a hallmark of a truly great place to work.

As Novonesis continues to invest in the region and expand its role in the global bio-economy, this award serves as a powerful testament to the idea that a company's greatest asset is its people, and that investing in their well-being is the surest path to lasting success and meaningful change.