he has helped contribute to the redevelopment of a complex in kannapolis, north carolina, of a biotechnology research center, the north carolina research campus. the research center is a joint public-private venture, involving major north carolina universities and private investment. the site of the research center in the middle of kannapolis was formerly occupied by plant #1 of cannon mills (which became pillowtex after a series of mergers and acquisitions). pillowtex filed for bankruptcy in 2003, and closed the mill. this resulted in the largest mass layoff of workers in north carolina history. murdock acquired the site and demolished the mill in 2006.