Johnson & Johnson announced an investment of more than $1 billion to expand its Vision operations in Jacksonville, Florida, strengthening the company’s U.S.-based manufacturing, packaging, and distribution capabilities for its ACUVUE-brand contact lenses.
The investment includes the construction of a new distribution facility and the addition of advanced manufacturing and packaging technologies designed to increase capacity and meet growing demand for the company’s contact lens products. The expansion is intended to support eye health solutions used by more than 40 million patients in the United States and globally.
The project is part of Johnson & Johnson’s previously announced $55 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029. Construction of the new Jacksonville facility is already underway, and the site is expected to become fully operational in 2028.
Johnson & Johnson said the expansion builds on its approximately $6 billion annual economic impact in Florida and supports continued growth for its Jacksonville operations. The company currently employs about 3,500 people in the area.
Jacksonville has served as a key center for the company’s vision business for more than 40 years. Since establishing operations there in 1981, Johnson & Johnson has expanded to more than 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing, research, distribution, and operations facilities. The company currently manufactures more than 1.7 billion ACUVUE contact lenses annually for U.S. patients.
Local, state, and federal officials said the investment will strengthen healthcare manufacturing capabilities, create jobs, and reinforce Northeast Florida’s role in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.
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“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. 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. This commitment reflects the confidence we have in our people, our technology, and our more than 40-year legacy of advancing eye health globally.”
Joaquin Duato, Chairman And Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson
“Johnson & Johnson’s commitment is a strong vote of confidence in Jacksonville, our workforce, and our future. 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.”
Donna Deegan, Mayor Of Jacksonville
“Florida continues to play a leading role in strengthening America’s healthcare supply chain to better serve patients. The billion-dollar investment in Jacksonville will help expand the domestic capacity and strengthen America’s healthcare infrastructure. That means more jobs in Florida, a stronger national economy, less reliance on foreign healthcare products, and better results for our nation’s long-term health and competitiveness.”
Rick Scott, U.S. Senator
“I am thrilled to see this major $1 billion investment in our state, funding new state of the art facilities and supporting jobs in the Jacksonville area. This is more than simple investment – this represents a down payment on the future of Jacksonville and the state of Florida. Companies are moving to Florida in droves, and massive investment such as this highlights Florida as the nation’s top state to grow your family and your business.”
Ashley Moody, U.S. Senator
“Johnson & Johnson’s continued investment in Jacksonville reflects the region’s strength in advanced manufacturing and critical healthcare production. It supports a skilled workforce, strengthens domestic capacity, and reinforces Northeast Florida’s role in keeping America economically competitive.”
John Rutherford, U.S. Representative
“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.”
Aaron Bean, U.S. Representative
