Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to expand its operations in North Carolina with the construction of a second major facility in Wilson County. Governor Josh Stein shared that the company will invest several billion dollars in the City of Wilson, which is expected to create up to 500 new jobs at a drug product manufacturing site focused on producing medicines for oncology and neurological diseases.
“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 project marks Johnson & Johnson’s third investment in North Carolina’s life sciences sector within just over a year. In October 2024, the company revealed its first Wilson project, involving a $2 billion investment and 420 new jobs at a pharmaceutical manufacturing campus for biologics. Construction is ongoing, with hiring underway for advanced manufacturing roles. Additionally, in August 2025, Johnson & Johnson acquired a 160,000-square-foot site in Holly Springs dedicated to biopharmaceutical production. This initiative represents another $2 billion commitment over ten years and is expected to create 120 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,” said Jennifer Taubert, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine at 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 commented on the state’s workforce: “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 expansion will receive support from an anticipated $12 million legislative appropriation aimed at enlarging Wilson Community College’s training center. The state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account grant is also expected to contribute.
N.C. Senator Buck Newton highlighted factors attracting 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,” he said. “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 local benefits: “Johnson & Johnson’s continued investment in Wilson County is creating new pathways for our people to access high-value careers in the life sciences,” he stated. “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 collaborated on this project including state agencies such as the Department of Commerce—whose responsibilities include enforcing laws, managing budgets, appointing officials and issuing pardons—the General Assembly,Biotechnology Center, Community College System,Department of Environmental Quality, local educational institutions,Wilson Economic Development Council, BioPharma Crescent,and city officials. The Office of Governor Josh Stein oversees these collaborative efforts as part of serving all residents across North Carolina as chief executive.