An aerial image of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies facility in Holly Springs.
In a major boost to North Carolina’s life sciences sector, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced a $2 billion expansion of its strategic partnership with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, reinforcing the state’s position as a national hub for advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
The global healthcare leader will establish a 160,000-square-foot dedicated manufacturing facility at FUJIFILM’s cutting-edge biopharmaceutical production site in Holly Springs, located just 20 miles southwest of Raleigh. This long-term commitment is expected to generate approximately 120 new high-skilled jobs over the next decade.
“Johnson & Johnson has more manufacturing facilities in the U.S. than in any other country, and we continue to strengthen our presence here,” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
Strengthening U.S. Biomanufacturing Capacity
The Holly Springs expansion is part of J&J’s broader $55 billion investment initiative announced earlier this year, aimed at accelerating U.S. manufacturing, R&D, and technology infrastructure. These efforts will enable the company to produce the vast majority of its advanced medicines domestically, ensuring faster delivery and greater resilience in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
In addition to Holly Springs, J&J is making significant progress on its 300,000-square-foot biologics facility in Wilson, NC, located 50 miles east of Raleigh. Once operational, the Wilson site will employ over 500 professionals and focus on manufacturing treatments for cancer, immunological, and neurological diseases.
Both North Carolina projects are being led by Janssen Supply Group, a J&J subsidiary focused on global pharmaceutical production.
FUJIFILM’s Expanding Biotech Ecosystem
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a division of Tokyo-based FUJIFILM Holdings Corp., is nearing completion of its $3.2 billion Holly Springs campus, which will offer large-scale cell culture manufacturing of bulk drug substances. The facility is projected to support 1,400 jobs by 2031, making it one of the largest CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) sites in the United States.
J&J was the first biopharma company to commit to the Holly Springs site. Since then, FUJIFILM has secured a $3 billion, 10-year agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to produce biologic medicines, further solidifying the region’s role in global drug development.
FUJIFILM also operates a multi-product manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park, offering fermentation, cell culture, purification, and bulk fill capabilities.
Economic Development Impact
North Carolina’s growing life sciences corridor continues to attract global investment, driven by its skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and collaborative innovation ecosystem. The J&J–FUJIFILM partnership exemplifies the state’s commitment to fostering high-impact industries and creating long-term economic opportunities.
For more updates on strategic investments and industry growth across North Carolina and beyond, visit ExpansionSolutionsMagazine.com.
