Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to build a new multibillion-dollar facility in Wilson County, North Carolina, which is expected to create up to 500 jobs. This announcement comes 14 months after the company revealed a $2 billion investment for another manufacturing campus in the same area, where construction and hiring are ongoing.
The new facility will focus on producing advanced medicines for oncology and neurological diseases. Governor Josh Stein commented on the decision, saying, “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.”
Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), said, “Johnson & Johnson’s decision to continue investing in North Carolina is a strong vote of confidence in our state and in the stellar workforce that powers our life sciences economy. The company has long been a valued partner here, and this investment reinforces both North Carolina’s leadership in life sciences and Wilson County’s emergence as a growing hub for high-quality jobs.”
Johnson & Johnson also recently announced a $2 billion biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, expected to add 120 jobs over ten years.
The EDPNC played a role in securing these investments by collaborating with several partners at state and local levels. The organization works under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce while receiving support from private sector contributions as well as public partners (official website). Its efforts focus on attracting businesses, supporting employers and startups, promoting tourism, and driving sustainable job creation across the state (official website).
More than 75,000 people work within over 800 life sciences companies across North Carolina. The EDPNC operates with an 18-member board representing various business sectors (official website). It collaborates with public and private entities at multiple levels to facilitate economic growth statewide (official website).
Other organizations involved in bringing this project forward include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Wilson Community College, BioPharma Crescent, Wilson County officials, Wilson Economic Development Council, City of Wilson authorities, among others.
According to its official website, EDPNC serves as the main economic development organization for North Carolina since beginning operations as a nonprofit initiative in 2014.
