Johnson & Johnson officials say they’re going to add another $1 billion to bolster the company’s Vision Manufacturing facility in Jacksonville.
The company’s vision facility has been operating on Jacksonville’s Southside for years. Officials say they want to add to the facility that produces vision products and handles distribution.
A Johnson & Johnson news release said the new funding for the company’s First Coast site will include the construction of an upgraded distribution facility.
The investment will also expand the manufacturing and packaging technologies at the facility in order to meet growing demand for those seeking eye healthcare assistance for an estimated 40 million patients in the U.S. and worldwide, with much of the production at the Jacksonville factory centering on contact lens technology.
“This investment reinforces our long-standing conviction that advanced manufacturing in the United States is essential to delivering innovative, high quality healthcare solutions to patients at home and around the world,” said Joaquin Duato, Chair and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
“By further strengthening our Vision operations in Jacksonville with next-generation manufacturing, packaging and distribution capabilities, we are enhancing the resilience of our U.S. supply chain while helping more people see better and live better. This commitment reflects the confidence we have in our people, our technology, and our more than 40-year legacy of advancing eye health globally.”
Company officials expect the new distribution facility to be fully operational in 2028.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said the company’s investment in the Jacksonville facility is a welcome economic development.
“Johnson & Johnson’s commitment is a strong vote of confidence in Jacksonville, our workforce, and our future,” Deegan said. “Jacksonville continues to lead in advanced manufacturing and life sciences innovation. This expansion strengthens our high-tech footprint while creating quality jobs and long-term opportunities for our community.”
Johnson & Johnson officials added that the Jacksonville project is part of a larger company commitment of $55 billion into its operations in the U.S. to improve manufacturing, research and technology through 2029. They estimate Johnson & Johnson has a $6 billion annual economic impact in Florida with about 3,500 employees in the Jacksonville area alone.
