Johnson & Johnson Expands North Carolina Operations with Major Investment
In a significant boost for the local economy, Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in healthcare, has announced a major expansion in North Carolina. This move involves a multibillion-dollar investment in Wilson, which is expected to create up to 500 new jobs at a cutting-edge drug manufacturing facility aimed at producing transformative medicines for oncology and neurological conditions.
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.” He highlighted the state’s strong life sciences sector and skilled workforce as key factors attracting such investments.
This latest announcement marks the third major project Johnson & Johnson has launched in North Carolina in just over a year, emphasizing the state’s strategic importance in the company’s goal to manufacture most of its advanced medicines within the U.S. In October 2024, the company unveiled its first project in Wilson, investing $2 billion to create 420 jobs on a pharmaceutical manufacturing campus for biologics. Construction has begun, with efforts to hire advanced manufacturing employees already underway. Another significant investment occurred in August 2025, when the company secured a 160,000-square-foot site in Holly Springs for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, promising 120 new jobs over the next decade.
Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, commented on the latest investment, saying, “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.”
Lee Lilley, N.C. Commerce Secretary, added, “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.”
The Wilson project will receive support through a $12 million legislative appropriation to enhance the training center at Wilson Community College. Moreover, a grant from the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account is anticipated.
N.C. Senator Buck Newton expressed enthusiasm about the investment, noting, “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 emphasized the region’s favorable tax environment and investment in local education as key attractors.
N.C. Representative Dante Pittman also remarked on the impact of Johnson & Johnson’s continued investment, stating, “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.”
The project saw collaboration from various partners including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, North Carolina General Assembly, and numerous local entities.
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