Johnson & Johnson Expands its North Carolina Footprint with Multibillion-Dollar Investment
In a significant boost to North Carolina’s life sciences sector, Johnson & Johnson has announced a major expansion in the state with a multibillion-dollar investment in the City of Wilson. This initiative is anticipated to generate up to 500 new jobs at a state-of-the-art drug manufacturing facility that will focus on groundbreaking treatments for oncology and neurological diseases.
Governor Josh Stein expressed his appreciation for the company’s decision, stating, “I appreciate Johnson & Johnson’s confidence that North Carolina is an ideal place to expand their business and create more good-paying jobs.” Stein highlighted the state’s skilled workforce and its commitment to specialized training as key factors in attracting such investments.
This announcement marks the third time in just over a year that Johnson & Johnson has chosen North Carolina’s life sciences cluster as a prime location for its advanced medicine manufacturing initiatives. Previously, in October 2024, the company revealed a $2 billion investment in Wilson, which is expected to create 420 jobs dedicated to innovative biologics on a pharmaceutical manufacturing campus. Construction is already underway, with hiring accelerating for advanced manufacturing positions. Another project in August 2025 involved securing a 160,000-square-foot site in Holly Springs for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, promising 120 new jobs over the next decade with another $2 billion commitment.
Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson remarked, “We are pleased to make another significant manufacturing investment in North Carolina. This new facility is the third North Carolina project announced by Johnson & Johnson in the past year and will help to further accelerate the delivery of our portfolio of transformational medicines for patients.” She emphasized the importance of North Carolina as a life sciences hub.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley commented on the state’s large life sciences workforce, saying, “Economic and workforce development collaboration is critical to ensuring we have the foundation and business climate for innovators like Johnson & Johnson to succeed.”
To support J&J’s new venture in Wilson, an expected legislative appropriation of $12 million will be allocated to expand the training center at Wilson Community College. Additionally, a grant from the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account is anticipated.
Senator Buck Newton noted, “Once again, Johnson & Johnson—healthcare’s leading, most comprehensive, and innovative powerhouse—has recognized the value of doing business in North Carolina, and specifically in Wilson County.” He highlighted the state’s favorable tax environment and investment in local educational resources as key factors in attracting such high-paying jobs.
Representative Dante Pittman added that Johnson & Johnson’s ongoing investment is creating valuable career opportunities for residents and emphasized the importance of workforce training programs like the BEST Center of Eastern North Carolina and BioWorks high school programs to prepare the region for future growth.
The project has garnered support from multiple partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, and the Wilson Economic Development Council, among others.
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