North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Johnson & Johnson broke ground on a new biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson, a project expected to create about 5,000 construction jobs. The 500,000 sq. ft. facility will expand the company’s U.S. research, development, and manufacturing capacity.
The project is part of a $2 billion investment in the region, which, when fully operational, will employ more than 500 people at the digitally enabled site. These positions will offer salaries significantly higher than the average in Wilson County.
“We are pleased to make this significant investment in our manufacturing network in the United States,” said Jennifer Taubert, executive vice-president of Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson. “This facility will help us accelerate the delivery of our portfolio and pipeline of transformational medicines for patients, while also supporting local educational initiatives to develop the workforce of the future.”
Biotechnology is one of North Carolina’s largest and fastest-growing sectors, and the new facility is expected to strengthen the state’s position as a hub for life sciences. North Carolina currently hosts more than 830 life science companies, employing over 225,000 people in the industry.
Governor Josh Stein attended the groundbreaking ceremony and presented an official state flag to Johnson & Johnson to fly over the facility, marking the significance of the investment for the region.
“North Carolina has the infrastructure to support the life science industry, and we’re excited that Johnson & Johnson has chosen Wilson as the site for its new facility,” Stein said. “This investment will bring high-wage jobs and economic opportunity to the area, continuing our work to support businesses and create good-paying jobs throughout the state.”
Once operational, the facility is expected to further drive economic growth in Wilson and surrounding areas, with an average salary for the new positions expected to be more than double the county’s average.