Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to invest over $1 billion in a new advanced cell therapy manufacturing facility in Lower Gwynedd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The company stated that the project will create 4,000 construction jobs and 500 skilled biomanufacturing positions once the site is fully operational.
The new facility, located about 60 miles from Johnson & Johnson’s New Brunswick headquarters, is expected to expand the company’s U.S. manufacturing capacity for its pipeline of medicines targeting cancer, immune-mediated, and neurological diseases.
“For 140 years, Johnson & Johnson has been a leading innovator in American healthcare, and we are honored to continue advancing that legacy in Pennsylvania,” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. “By uniting scientific excellence with state-of-the-art manufacturing and strategic investment, and by working collaboratively with our communities, we are delivering for patients and creating significant opportunities for workers and families.”
This initiative is part of a broader $55 billion investment plan in U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029. The strategy includes new construction projects and major expansions primarily focused on North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Johnson & Johnson currently operates ten facilities in Pennsylvania with an estimated annual economic impact of about $10 billion. These sites include more than two million square feet dedicated to manufacturing, research, distribution, and office functions.
“Pennsylvania is a powerhouse for innovation and manufacturing in the life sciences,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Just a few years ago we weren’t even on the field – but today we’re competing and winning. We’ve done it by creating the first economic development plan for Pennsylvania in two decades, and following through on it by cutting red tape, making strategic investments in key industries like the life sciences, and strengthening our workforce.”
Shapiro added that companies such as Johnson & Johnson are choosing to increase their investments because “we’ve got the strategy, the workforce, and the speed they need to succeed.”
The project will receive support from a $41.5 million investment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to statements from Governor Shapiro and Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, this includes up to $12 million in tax credits through the Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction program; up to $2 million via the Manufacturing Tax Credit program; a $15 million grant under PA SITES; a $10 million Pennsylvania First grant; as well as up to $2.5 million from Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds designated for local workforce training initiatives.
Additionally, assistance will be provided through Pennsylvania’s Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) via its Permit Fast Track Program—a body established by executive order signed by Governor Shapiro in 2024.
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), which serves as one of the nation’s largest statewide employer associations representing private-sector employers across various sectors—including those involved with business partnerships among government entities or academic institutions—continues its work supporting competitive excellence within New Jersey’s business community (official website). Michele Siekerka leads NJBIA as president and chief executive officer (official website).
