Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
March 24, 2025
As part of the initiative, J&J will establish three new production sites, though the company has not disclosed their locations.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced plans to invest $55 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, focusing on expanding its manufacturing footprint and research capabilities.
The company announced while breaking ground on a $2 billion biologics plant in Wilson, North Carolina. The investment represents a 25% increase over its spending in the previous four years.
As part of the initiative, J&J will establish three new production sites, though the company has not disclosed their locations. The Wilson, North Carolina facility, which will span 500,000 square feet, is expected to create over 500 jobs and manufacture treatments for cancer, immunology, and neuroscience disorders.
Joaquin Duato, CEO of J&J, emphasized its commitment to strengthening its domestic operations. "This investment underscores our dedication to advancing medical innovation and ensuring a reliable supply of critical medicines for patients in the U.S.," he stated.
In addition to building new facilities, J&J plans to expand existing manufacturing sites within its medicines and medtech network. The company is also increasing spending on research and technology to accelerate drug discovery and development.
J&J’s announcement follows a broader trend among pharmaceutical giants ramping up domestic investments. Eli Lilly recently committed $27 billion to construct four new manufacturing sites in the U.S., bringing its total domestic investment to $50 billion in recent years. Additionally, AstraZeneca pledged a $2 billion investment through 2026 to enhance its manufacturing and R&D capabilities in the country.
Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks referred to the company’s expansion as a significant step in fortifying the U.S.-based pharmaceutical production. "These mega-sites will enable us to produce more life-saving medicines domestically, ensuring greater resilience in our supply chain," Ricks stated.
The increased investments align with policy discussions encouraging domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Biden administration has advocated for reduced reliance on foreign drug production; a sentiment echoed in similar initiatives across the tech and healthcare sectors.