Johnson and Johnson (J&J) has invested $1bn into strengthening its vision manufacturing capabilities in Florida, part of the company’s broader plans to outlay $55bn into expanding its overall US manufacturing footprint through 2029.
The investment will augment J&J’s existing manufacturing presence in Jacksonville, supporting the construction of a new distribution facility that is mooted to be ready and operational in 2028. The proceeds will also expand J&J’s advanced manufacturing and packaging capabilities in the city, with the primary aim to meet growing demand for its ACUVUE brand of contact lenses, the company stated.
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According to J&J, it manufactures over 1.7 billion ACUVUE contact lenses for US patients annually. In the company’s Q1 financials, US contact lens revenue totalled $468m corresponding to a year-over-year (YoY) uptick of 3.7%.
J&J CEO, Joaquin Duato, said: “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 US supply chain while helping more people see better and live better.”
J&J’s $1bn investment aligns with its broader $55bn pledge announced in March 2025 to increase its manufacturing footprint in the US – an initiative primarily driven by pharma-related incentives as outlined by the Trump Administration. J&J’s other commitments to increase its manufacturing capabilities on home soil include a $1bn cell therapy facility in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that was announced in February 2026, and a $2bn biologics production facility in Wilson, North Carolina, that was announced in November 2025.
In its Q1 earnings call, J&J said it had invested around $12bn to advance its US manufacturing footprint throughout 2025, equating to 22% of the $55bn pledge.
Commenting on J&J’s Jacksonville outlay, which builds on the company’s $6bn annual economic impact in Florida, Mayor Donna Deegan said: “Johnson & Johnson’s commitment is a strong vote of confidence in Jacksonville, our workforce, and our future. This expansion strengthens our high-tech footprint while creating quality jobs and long-term opportunities for our community.”
