Johnson & Johnson invests US$1B to expand vision care manufacturing in Florida

USA—Johnson & Johnson has invested US$1 billion to expand its vision care manufacturing operations in Florida, reinforcing its long-term strategy to strengthen production capacity in the United States.

The investment forms part of the company’s broader plan to spend US$55 billion on expanding its domestic manufacturing footprint through 2029.

The funding will support the expansion of its existing operations in Jacksonville, where the company continues to scale up advanced production systems.

At the same time, it will finance a new distribution facility expected to be operational in 2028, helping to streamline supply and delivery networks for eye care products.

Jacksonville expansion and ACUVUE demand

The Jacksonville site will also gain enhanced manufacturing and packaging capabilities designed to support rising demand for ACUVUE contact lenses.

The company currently produces more than 1.7 billion ACUVUE lenses annually for patients in the United States, reflecting steady growth in its vision care segment.

In its latest quarterly results, Johnson & Johnson reported U.S. contact lens revenue of US$468 million, marking a 3.7% year-over-year increase, driven by sustained demand and improved production efficiency.

Leadership perspective on U.S. manufacturing

Chief Executive Officer Joaquin Duato said the investment reflects the company’s continued commitment to advanced manufacturing in the United States.

He noted that strengthening production capabilities in Jacksonville will improve supply chain resilience while supporting innovation in healthcare delivery.

He added that next-generation manufacturing, packaging, and distribution systems will allow the company to better meet patient needs and improve access to vision care products both domestically and globally.

Wider U.S. manufacturing strategy

The Florida investment aligns with Johnson & Johnson’s broader US$55 billion commitment to expand its U.S. manufacturing base.

The initiative includes several major projects, such as a US$1 billion cell therapy facility in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and a US$2 billion biologics production site in Wilson, North Carolina.

In its recent earnings update, the company indicated it had already deployed around $12 billion in manufacturing-related investments during 2025, accounting for roughly 22% of its total pledge.

Local Economic Impact in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan welcomed the expansion, saying the project reflects strong confidence in the city’s workforce and long-term economic outlook.

She noted that Johnson & Johnson’s continued presence strengthens the region’s high-tech manufacturing base while supporting job creation and broader community development.