The USA Leaders
February 19, 2026
Johnson & Johnson will invest more than $1 billion to build a next-generation cell therapy facility Pennsylvania in Lower Gwynedd Township, Montgomery County.
The project will create more than 500 jobs and retain 5,885 existing positions. Pennsylvania approved $41.5 million in incentives to secure the investment and accelerate development.
What the Cell Therapy Facility Pennsylvania Will Manufacture
The facility will manufacture advanced cell therapies used to treat cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and neurological disorders. These therapies reprogram a patient’s own immune cells to target disease and represent one of the fastest-growing segments in modern medicine.
Janssen Biotech, Johnson & Johnson’s biotechnology division, will operate the site. The Cell Therapy Facility Pennsylvania expands U.S. manufacturing capacity and supports the company’s growing pipeline of biologic medicines.
Johnson & Johnson continues to scale advanced manufacturing as part of its previously announced$55 billion U.S. investment through 2029.
Pennsylvania Secured the Project With $41.5 Million Incentive Package
Pennsylvania structured a $41.5 million incentive package using multiple targeted economic development programs. The funding includes:
- $12 million in tax credits through the Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction (QMIRD) program
- $2 million in Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) support
- $15 million grant through the PA SITES program for site preparation and infrastructure
- $10 million Pennsylvania First grant to support job creation and capital investment
- Up to $2.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding to support workforce training programs
These programs reduce upfront capital costs while ensuring job creation, workforce development, and long-term tax revenue growth.
The project also received support through Pennsylvania’s Permit Fast Track Program, which accelerates permitting timelines for major economic development projects.
Leadership’s Statements on the Investment
Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato said the investment strengthens both healthcare innovation and economic opportunity:
“For 140 years, Johnson & Johnson has been a leading innovator in American healthcare, and we are honored to continue advancing that legacy in Pennsylvania. By uniting scientific excellence with state-of-the-art manufacturing and strategic investment, and by working collaboratively with our communities, we are delivering for patients and creating significant opportunities for workers and families.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said the project validates the state’s economic strategy:
“Pennsylvania is a powerhouse for innovation and manufacturing in the life sciences. Just a few years ago, we were not even on the field, but today we are competing and winning. We have done it by creating the first economic development plan for Pennsylvania in two decades, cutting red tape, making strategic investments, and strengthening our workforce.”
These statements highlight alignment between state economic policy and Johnson & Johnson‘s global manufacturing expansion.
Job Creation, Workforce Development, and Training Pipeline
The project will deliver a significant employment impact across Pennsylvania:
- 500 permanent biomanufacturing jobs
- 4,000 construction jobs during development
- 5,885 existing jobs retained statewide
Pennsylvania also committed workforce development funding to build a local talent pipeline. The state will partner with community colleges and technical schools using RACP funding to train workers in:
- Biomanufacturing processes
- Cell therapy production
- Advanced manufacturing technologies
These programs ensure companies can hire locally trained workers and scale production efficiently.
Johnson & Johnson’s Existing Economic Impact in Pennsylvania
Johnson & Johnson already generates approximately $10 billion in annual economic impact across Pennsylvania. The company operates:
- 10 facilities statewide
- More than 2 million square feet of manufacturing and research space
- Major manufacturing, R&D, and distribution operations
This expansion strengthens the company’s long-standing presence in the state and reinforces Pennsylvania as a key U.S. manufacturing hub.
Pennsylvania’s Life Sciences Industry Continues Rapid Growth
Pennsylvania’s life sciences sector employs more than 100,000 workers across nearly 3,100 companies.
The state ranks among the national leaders in biotechnology innovation, with more than 10,700 life sciences patents awarded in the past five years, the fourth highest total in the United States.
Major companies, including Eli Lilly, GSK, and B. Braun, have also expanded operations in Pennsylvania, reinforcing its position as a national biotechnology hub.
Construction Timeline and What Happens Next
Johnson & Johnson will begin the construction of the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility Pennsylvania, following final site preparation and permitting approvals. The facility will create construction jobs immediately and transition to permanent manufacturing roles once operational.
The project forms part of Pennsylvania’s broader strategy to attract advanced manufacturing and biotechnology investment through targeted incentives, workforce development, and infrastructure programs.
This investment strengthens Pennsylvania’s position as a national leader in advanced medicine manufacturing and ensures long-term job growth, tax revenue expansion, and continued leadership in the life sciences industry.
Neha Skhekhawat
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