J&J Invests $1 Billion to Expand Jacksonville Manufacturing

June 16, 2026


Johnson & Johnson announced an investment of more than $1 billion in Jacksonville, Florida, demonstrating confidence in American manufacturing and the workforce needed to sustain it. 

The announcement: The investment will strengthen J&J’s Vision operations by scaling manufacturing, packing and distribution capabilities in Northeast Florida. This includes construction of a new, state-of-the-art distribution facility, slated to come online in 2028.   

  • This investment is part of J&J’s previously announced $55 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, research and development and technology through 2029. 

The event:  The news was announced by J&J Chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato at an event in Jacksonville on June 15. In attendance were Manufacturing Institute President Carolyn Lee, members of Congress, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and other local leaders. 

  • In her remarks, Lee emphasized the urgency of addressing the manufacturing workforce gap and the critical role employers play in developing the skilled talent needed to support long-term growth and competitiveness.
  • She highlighted Johnson & Johnson’s leadership in bringing employers, educators and community partners together to build sustainable talent pipelines.  

Building new talent pipelines: J&J and the MI, the NAM’s workforce development and education affiliate, are working on plans for a new FAME chapter in the Jacksonville region.

  • The MI’s FAME, the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, is an earn-and-learn apprenticeship program that trains the next generation of manufacturing talent. 
  • FAME has more than 45 chapters in 17 states. The network is anticipated to grow by more than 15 chapters over the next several years. 

Pipelines at work: Since 2021, J&J has been the official health care supporter of the MI’s Heroes MAKE America  initiative, which prepares transitioning service members and veterans for new careers in the industry. Jacksonville is home to a significant military and veteran population, making it a natural fit for HMA’s work at nearby Fort Stewart. 

From the MI:  “Johnson & Johnson understands that a facility is only as strong as the people inside it,” said Lee. “Their investment in Jacksonville, paired with their long-standing commitment to workforce development, is a model for what manufacturing leadership looks like today.” 

Get involved: Learn more about how you can tap into FAME’s global-best training resource and HMA’s talent pool.