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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Feb. 18 the state secured an over $1 billion investment from New Brunswick-headquartered Johnson & Johnson to build a next-generation cell therapy manufacturing facility in Montgomery County.
The news comes on the heels of announcing a $3.5 billion investment by Eli Lilly to bring a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility to the Lehigh Valley.
Supported by a $41.5 million state investment, this expansion continues growth of Pennsylvania’s robust life sciences industry. It will create more than 500 new jobs over the next 12 years. Additionally, the project also helps retain 5,885 full-time jobs statewide.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Luke Bernstein commented on the major investment. “Johnson & Johnson’s announcement builds on recent momentum, including Eli Lilly’s $3.5 billion commitment in the Lehigh Valley, and reinforces that when Pennsylvania advances smart, pro-growth policies, employers respond with real investment,” he said.
Johnson & Johnson is constructing this state-of-the-art cell therapy manufacturing facility in Lower Gwynedd Township. Subsidiary Janssen Biotech will operate the facility. It will directly support the production of medicines for cancer, immune-mediated and neurological diseases.
Something in common with NJ
“Pennsylvania is a powerhouse for innovation and manufacturing in the life sciences,” said 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.
“That’s why companies like Johnson & Johnson are choosing to double down on their investments here in our Commonwealth – because they know we’ve got the strategy, the workforce, and the speed they need to succeed.”
The development is part of Johnson & Johnson’s previously announced $55 billion U.S. investment in manufacturing, R&D and technology through early 2029.
Duato
“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,” Joaquin Duato, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, said in a statement.
The NJBIZ editorial team contributed to this story, which was originally published on sister publication brand Lehigh Valley Business.