Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to build a second major facility in Wilson County, North Carolina. The expansion represents an additional multibillion-dollar investment by the global healthcare company and is expected to create up to 500 new jobs at a new drug product manufacturing plant. This facility will focus on producing medicines for oncology and neurological diseases.
Governor Josh Stein commented on the announcement, stating, “I appreciate Johnson & Johnson’s confidence that North Carolina is an ideal place to expand their business and create more good-paying jobs. 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 marks the third time in just over a year that Johnson & Johnson has chosen North Carolina as a location for its manufacturing operations. In October 2024, the company announced its first project in Wilson—a $2 billion investment set to create 420 jobs at a pharmaceutical manufacturing campus focused on biologics. Construction of that site is ongoing, with hiring underway for advanced manufacturing roles. Additionally, in August 2025, Johnson & Johnson secured a new 160,000-square-foot biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Holly Springs. That project involves another $2 billion investment over ten years and will add 120 jobs.
Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, said, “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. 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 emphasized collaboration between economic development partners: “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 project will receive support from an anticipated legislative appropriation of $12 million aimed at expanding Wilson Community College’s training center. A grant from the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account is also expected.
N.C. Senator Buck Newton highlighted state policies supporting such investments: “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. 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 pointed out opportunities created by these investments: “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.”
Multiple organizations partnered on this project including: The North Carolina Department of Commerce; Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; General Assembly; Biotechnology Center; Community College System; Department of Environmental Quality; Wilson Community College; BioPharma Crescent; Wilson County; Wilson Economic Development Council; City of Wilson.
