Johnson & Johnson to invest more than $1 billion in Jacksonville Vision operations expansion (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — Johnson & Johnson plans to invest more than $1 billion in Jacksonville, expanding its vision operations and further anchoring Northeast Florida’s role in advanced manufacturing and healthcare production.
The company announced the investment in its Jacksonville Vision operations, which includes construction of a new distribution facility as well as advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies to expand capacity for its ACUVUE-brand contact lenses.
Construction of the new facility is underway, with the company targeting full operations in 2028. Johnson & Johnson plans to open its new distribution center at Suddath’s Airport Commerce Center near Jacksonville International Airport in the Northside, Suddath announced Monday.
During a speech at the Jacksonville Vision facility Monday, Joaquin Duato, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, put the local manufacturing plant on pedestal, saying its not only a model for advanced manufacturing in the U.S., but for the globe.
“We have been part of this community of Jacksonville for more than 40 years, so building, growing and investing alongside all of you for more than 40 years,” Duato said. “And over that time our vision business here in Jacksonville has become clearly one of our most advanced manufacturing sites and operations in the world.”
What distinguishes the site is the community around it, the CEO said. “Success here is no accident, it’s the reflection of the talent of this workforce, the strength of our local partnerships, and our unwavering focus on patients who rely on our products.”
Duato added the vision business alone is projected to generate more than half a billion dollars in economic activity over the next three years.
“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,” Duato said in a statement. “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.”
The Jacksonville project is part of Johnson & Johnson’s previously announced $55 billion U.S. investment in manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029.
In Jacksonville, the investment builds on a vision business that has been part of the city since 1981. Johnson & Johnson said its local operations support 3,500 area employees and include more than 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing, research, distribution and operations facilities.
Johnson & Johnson said it manufactures more than 1.7 billion ACUVUE contact lenses annually. The company also said it contributes approximately $6 billion annually to Florida’s economy across its 11 sites in the state.
“Johnson & Johnson’s commitment is a strong vote of confidence in Jacksonville, our workforce, and our future,” Mayor Donna 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.”
Many of the future employees at the Jacksonville plant are poised to begin preparing for the jobs straight out of high school, said City Council President Kevin Carrico, explaining that a company representative told him of a new apprenticeship program in the works between Florida State College at Jacksonville and Johnson & Johnson.
“That just really excited me to know that a company like Johnson & Johnson, who cares about our next generation, is making investments and growing in this city,” Carrico said during a speech. “So definitely want to give you guys a shout out for that.”
The investment comes as Jacksonville continues to pursue growth in advanced manufacturing and life sciences, sectors that local leaders have increasingly pointed to as key parts of the region’s economic future.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean said the expansion will strengthen the supply chain for vision products while benefiting the regional economy.
“Johnson & Johnson’s $1 billion investment in Jacksonville will strengthen the supply chain for critical vision products while creating high-quality jobs and generating significant economic benefits for Northeast Florida. The project reinforces Jacksonville’s status as a premier destination for healthcare manufacturing and innovation, helping ensure the region remains at the forefront of supporting patients and advancing medical technology.”
Johnson & Johnson said the Jacksonville expansion is intended to meet growing demand for ACUVUE lenses while improving the resilience of its U.S. supply chain.