Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has joined the ranks of Big Pharma companies committing to large-scale investments in U.S. manufacturing, following pressure from President Donald Trump. The healthcare giant announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years, with a significant boost in U.S. manufacturing and research and development (R&D). This commitment comes as J&J aims to expand its production capabilities and R&D infrastructure.
The announcement aligns with the opening of a new 500,000-square-foot biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina, which will support around 5,000 jobs, with 500 positions at the facility itself. This investment will bolster the company’s capacity for developing treatments in oncology, neuroscience, immunology, cardiovascular disease, and robotic surgery.
J&J’s move follows similar actions by other pharmaceutical giants, such as Eli Lilly, which committed $27 billion to U.S. manufacturing earlier this year. The push for domestic manufacturing in response to Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports stems from closed-door discussions with CEOs from top pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Merck.
These investments reflect the broader trend of companies adjusting to political pressures to prioritize U.S. production. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has announced its own global expansion, with a $2.5 billion investment into a new R&D hub in Beijing, marking its second center in China.
Johnson & Johnson’s economic impact on the U.S. will now exceed $100 billion, signaling a significant shift in how major pharmaceutical companies are approaching manufacturing and R&D, particularly in the face of evolving political and trade dynamics.
Johnson & Johnson office Madrid Picture on Wikimedia by Luis García
