Johnson & Johnson to Build Advanced Biologics Facility in North Carolina
Johnson & Johnson (the “Company”) is set to break ground on a new, cutting-edge biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina. The 500,000-square-foot facility represents a significant expansion of the Company’s capabilities in producing transformational medicines for individuals battling cancer, immune-mediated conditions, and neurological diseases. The groundbreaking event, scheduled for today, will feature insights from key Johnson & Johnson executives as well as national, state, and local officials who will discuss the broader impact of this investment on patients and the surrounding community.
This milestone aligns with Johnson & Johnson’s larger commitment to bolstering U.S.-based research and development, technology, and manufacturing. The Company has pledged to invest more than $55 billion over the next four years to drive innovation and strengthen its global pharmaceutical and MedTech footprint.
A Significant Investment in Healthcare Innovation
Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “We are pleased to make this significant investment in our manufacturing network in the United States. This state-of-the-art biologics facility in North Carolina will help Johnson & Johnson accelerate the delivery of our portfolio and pipeline of transformational medicines for patients. This $2 billion investment will bring more than 5,000 high-wage manufacturing and construction jobs to North Carolina, and the partnerships we are forging in the community will support local educational initiatives to develop the workforce of the future.”
The decision to establish the new manufacturing plant in Wilson, a growing life sciences hub, aligns with North Carolina’s prominence in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Governor Josh Stein expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “Wilson is an important life sciences hub, and I am excited to welcome Johnson & Johnson as it expands its manufacturing footprint in our state. I look forward to seeing the impact this investment will have on medical innovation and North Carolina’s workforce.”
Strengthening Johnson & Johnson’s Manufacturing Heritage
With a legacy of more than 140 years in pharmaceutical and MedTech manufacturing, Johnson & Johnson has long been at the forefront of delivering innovative healthcare solutions. The Company already has an extensive presence in the United States, employing thousands of professionals across its various sites. The new facility in Wilson will be a digitally enabled, state-of-the-art manufacturing hub, employing more than 500 specialized workers, including process technicians, laboratory analysts, engineers, and microbiologists.
Beyond direct employment, the investment is expected to have a profound economic impact. The Company projects an annual payroll contribution of approximately $45 million to the region. Additionally, the construction phase alone is anticipated to create around 5,000 jobs, boosting the local labor market and spurring economic activity. Over the first decade of operations, Johnson & Johnson estimates that the site will generate an economic impact of approximately $3 billion statewide.
Commitment to Workforce Development and Education
Johnson & Johnson is not only committed to bringing high-quality jobs to North Carolina but also to fostering the next generation of life sciences professionals. To achieve this, the Company is expanding its educational partnerships within the Wilson community. Building on its long-standing collaboration with the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Johnson & Johnson will work with Wilson County Schools to enhance STEM programming in the region.
Additionally, Johnson & Johnson is supporting the expansion of the BioWork certificate program to all Wilson County high schools. The BioWork program, developed in collaboration with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and Wilson Community College, provides students with the necessary skills to pursue careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing. By participating in this initiative, students in Wilson will have an accelerated pathway into the life sciences industry, helping to fill talent gaps in North Carolina’s rapidly growing biopharmaceutical sector.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Manufacturing Excellence
The new Wilson facility is designed to incorporate the latest advancements in biologics manufacturing, ensuring efficiency, quality, and scalability. As a digitally enabled site, the facility will leverage automation, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence to optimize production and quality control.
“Johnson & Johnson is a recognized industry leader in pharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing, and we are proud to be part of the Wilson community,” said Dapo Ajayi, Vice President of Innovative Medicine Supply Chain at Johnson & Johnson. “This is a major investment and an exciting time as we start construction on this advanced manufacturing facility. By using the latest technology and building a highly skilled workforce, we will continue to deliver on our promise to patients worldwide.”
The Wilson site will focus on manufacturing a range of biologic therapies, many of which are critical to the treatment of complex and life-threatening conditions. Biologics, which are large-molecule drugs derived from living cells, require highly specialized production environments. By expanding its biologics manufacturing capacity, Johnson & Johnson is positioning itself to meet the increasing global demand for these innovative therapies.
Driving Economic Growth and Innovation in North Carolina
North Carolina has consistently ranked among the top states for biotechnology and pharmaceutical investments, making it an ideal location for Johnson & Johnson’s new facility. The state boasts a well-established life sciences ecosystem, supported by leading universities, research institutions, and a highly skilled workforce.
The investment from Johnson & Johnson is expected to have long-term benefits for the region, fostering innovation, attracting additional biotech firms, and creating a ripple effect across related industries. Local businesses, suppliers, and service providers will also benefit from the increased economic activity associated with the new manufacturing hub.
Moreover, the project aligns with North Carolina’s broader economic development goals, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a leader in life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing. By partnering with local institutions and workforce development programs, Johnson & Johnson is helping to ensure that North Carolina remains at the forefront of medical innovation.
