Johnson & Johnson to Bolster North Carolina Operations with Major Investment
Raleigh, N.C.
In a significant development for North Carolina’s life sciences sector, Johnson & Johnson has unveiled plans to enhance its operations in the state with a substantial financial commitment. The healthcare giant announced a multibillion-dollar investment aimed at expanding its facilities in the City of Wilson, promising to generate up to 500 new jobs at a cutting-edge drug product manufacturing plant. This facility will focus on producing transformative medicines for oncology and neurological conditions.
“I appreciate Johnson & Johnson’s confidence that North Carolina is an ideal place to expand their business and create more good-paying jobs,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Life sciences leaders continue to select North Carolina because our skilled workforce and commitment to specialized training deliver the talent companies need to help patients in the United States and around the world.”
This latest initiative marks Johnson & Johnson’s third endeavor in North Carolina’s esteemed life sciences cluster within a little over a year. In October 2024, the company announced its inaugural project in Wilson, a $2 billion venture poised to create 420 jobs on a pharmaceutical manufacturing campus dedicated to innovative biologics. Construction is ongoing, with hiring for advanced manufacturing positions already in progress. The firm also acquired a 160,000-square-foot site in Holly Springs in August 2025, earmarked for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with an additional $2 billion investment over the next decade expected to create 120 new jobs.
“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,” stated Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine, Johnson & Johnson. “North Carolina is an important life sciences hub, and we look forward to increasing our presence in the state.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the state’s robust life sciences workforce, stating, “North Carolina has one of the largest life sciences workforces in the nation. Economic and workforce development collaboration is critical to ensuring we have the foundation and business climate for innovators like Johnson & Johnson to succeed, and we remain laser-focused on maintaining and strengthening our leadership in the life sciences.”
The Wilson expansion will receive support through an anticipated $12 million legislative appropriation to enhance the training center at Wilson Community College, alongside a potential grant from the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account.
“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,” remarked N.C. Senator Buck Newton. “North Carolina’s low tax environment and our investment in the Best Center at the Wilson Community College continues to attract new, high paying jobs to the region. This major investment in a new top-tier manufacturing operation underscores Johnson & Johnson’s confidence in Wilson and our state and is a big part of its commitment to invest $55 billion in new U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and advanced technology.”
N.C. Representative Dante Pittman noted the positive impact on local employment, stating, “Johnson & Johnson’s continued investment in Wilson County is creating new pathways for our people to access high-value careers in the life sciences. This growth further underscores the need for workforce training initiatives, such as the BEST Center of Eastern North Carolina and BioWorks high school programs, to ensure our region is prepared to support and partner with this critical industry. We are honored that Johnson & Johnson has once again chosen Wilson County as a partner in its mission to build a healthier world.”
Collaborating with Johnson & Johnson on this project were the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Wilson Community College, the BioPharma Crescent, Wilson County, the Wilson Economic Development Council, and the City of Wilson.
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