JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Johnson & Johnson announced Monday that it will invest $1 billion into its Jacksonville vision care operations, a move expected to strengthen the local economy, support more than 3,500 jobs, and expand the company\u2019s manufacturing capabilities for years to come.<\/p>\n
The investment is part of a larger company initiative and builds upon Johnson & Johnson\u2019s previously announced $55 billion commitment to manufacturing, research, development, and technology across the United States through early 2029.<\/p>\n
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan joined state and local leaders Monday to discuss the significance of the investment and its impact on Northeast Florida\u2019s growing life sciences sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey put us on the map in a lot of ways. And this just continues to elevate Jacksonville in a lot of ways in the life sciences. It just shows that we continue to be a leader in this area,\u201d Deegan said.<\/p>\n
According to company leaders, Jacksonville remains a critical hub for Johnson & Johnson\u2019s vision operations. The facility produces approximately 90 percent of the company\u2019s ACUVUE contact lenses, making it one of the organization\u2019s most important manufacturing locations worldwide.<\/p>\n
Johnson & Johnson President Joaquin Duato said Jacksonville\u2019s workforce has played a major role in the facility\u2019s success.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have extraordinary talent in Jacksonville. It\u2019s the heart of our operations here. A high percentage of veterans work in this facility. They have made this facility into one of the best manufacturing facilities in the world, and we hope to carry this tradition into the future,\u201d Duato said.<\/p>\n
The company says the new investment will help meet increasing demand for contact lenses while further strengthening its presence in Florida. Johnson & Johnson estimates its operations currently contribute approximately $6 billion annually to Florida\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
Leaders say the investment will also support the continued growth of Jacksonville\u2019s workforce while helping maintain the region\u2019s position as a major economic center.<\/p>\n
In addition to supporting jobs, the project includes new manufacturing enhancements at existing Jacksonville facilities. Construction is already underway, and company officials expect the expanded operations to be fully operational by 2028.<\/p>\n
Duato described the announcement as the latest chapter in Johnson & Johnson\u2019s decades-long relationship with Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just the continuation of investing in a 40-year story here in Jacksonville. In my view, the best is yet to come. We\u2019re going to continue investing,\u201d Duato said.<\/p>\n
Johnson & Johnson\u2019s vision headquarters has operated in Jacksonville for the past 40 years. Company leaders say they hope investments like this one will help sustain growth and economic momentum in the region for decades to come.<\/p>\n
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