Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to expand its operations in North Carolina with a new drug product manufacturing facility in the City of Wilson. The project is expected to bring up to 500 new jobs and represents an additional multibillion dollar investment by the health care company.
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 for expansion within its life sciences sector. In October 2024, the company began construction on its first facility in Wilson, a $2 billion project expected to generate 420 jobs focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing for biologics. In August 2025, it secured a site in Holly Springs dedicated to biopharmaceutical production, with a $2 billion investment planned over ten years and 120 new jobs anticipated.
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 highlighted workforce strengths: “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 new Wilson project will receive support from an expected legislative appropriation of $12 million for expanding Wilson Community College’s training center. A grant from the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account is also anticipated.
N.C. 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. 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 added: “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.”
Several organizations partnered on this initiative including state agencies such as the Office of Governor Josh Stein, which serves as chief executive enforcing laws within North Carolina since its establishment as the state’s oldest public office dating back to 1776. Other partners include local government bodies like Wilson County officials as well as educational institutions such as Wilson Community College.
