Johnson & Johnson's $1bn Florida Contact Lens Factory Plan

Johnson & Johnson has committed US$1bn to a new contact lens factory in Jacksonville, Florida.

The facility will handle manufacturing, packaging and distribution operations for the company's ACVUE-brand contact lenses.

Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson, says: "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.

"This commitment reflects the confidence we have in our people, our technology and our more than 40-year legacy of advancing eye health globally."

Inside the Florida investment

The project builds on US$6bn the company has already invested in Jacksonville.

It currently employs 3,500 people across its local operations and produces more than 1.7 billion ACUVUE contact lenses each year for the US market.

Donna Deegan, Jacksonville Mayor, says: "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."

The facility is expected to be completed by 2028.

Broader capital deployment programme

The US$1bn investment forms part of a US$55bn capital allocation plan. Johnson & Johnson says the programme runs through early 2029 and covers manufacturing, research and development and technology.

The company provides eye healthcare products to more than 40 million people in the US and internationally.

US Congressman Aaron Bean, representing Florida's fourth district, says: "Johnson & Johnson's US$1bn 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."

Emissions reduction targets

Johnson & Johnson expanded its supplier sustainability programme in 2024.

The company has set targets that include:

• Sourcing 100% of electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025
• Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 44% by 2030 from a 2021 base year
• Engaging 80% of suppliers by emissions covering purchased goods and services and upstream transportation and distribution with science-based targets by 2028
• Achieving net zero emissions across the value chain by 2045.

Johnson & Johnson says it procures nearly 100% of its electricity across its European operations from renewable sources as of 2024.

This includes operations in Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.