GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, announced plans to invest $2 billion in Gwinnett County to build its first U.S. biologics manufacturing facility, a project expected to create 330 jobs over the coming years.
The facility will be located at Rowen, a mixed-use innovation district focused on global health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
“This decision reflects our confidence in UCB’s long-term growth and our deep-rooted commitment to the United States,” UCB CEO Jean-Christophe Tellier said. “By investing in Georgia, where our U.S. headquarters have been based for more than three decades, we are strengthening our biologics manufacturing capabilities, supporting our innovation pipeline and creating high-quality jobs.”
The project is expected to generate approximately $5 billion in total economic impact, according to the company.
Based in Brussels, Belgium, UCB operates its North American headquarters in Smyrna, supporting more than 400 jobs in neurology and immunology.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the investment represents a major milestone for the state’s life sciences sector.
“When we met with UCB leadership earlier this year in Belgium, we discussed how Georgia would be the right partner for their visionary plans in the U.S.,” Kemp said. “This announcement represents one of the largest investments in state history and further establishes Georgia as a hub for innovation.”
State and local leaders emphasized the role of Georgia’s workforce and infrastructure in attracting the project.
“For more than a century, UCB has been a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia’s growing life sciences ecosystem connects companies with world-class partners in research, education, logistics and infrastructure.”
The new facility marks the first major private investment at Rowen and is expected to leverage advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and automation.
Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said the project aligns with the county’s long-term vision for the innovation district.
“An investment of this magnitude was exactly what we envisioned when we committed to establishing Rowen as a hub for collaboration and discovery,” Hendrickson said. “Gwinnett connects UCB to a highly skilled, globally connected talent pool.”
Rowen Foundation President and CEO Mason Ailstock said the announcement signals a turning point for the development.
“This marks the shift from preparation to execution at Rowen,” Ailstock said. “With UCB’s selection, that work will now translate into real investment, real jobs and real momentum for Georgians.”
Economic development partners, including Partnership Gwinnett, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power and Georgia Quick Start, collaborated on the project.
“Gwinnett continues to be a pro-business community highlighted by transformative infrastructure investments,” said Kevin Carmichael, senior vice president of Partnership Gwinnett. “We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our businesses, workforce and community.”
Since 2007, Partnership Gwinnett’s public-private model has supported projects resulting in more than $5 billion in capital investment.
Sources: Press Release Gov. Kemp
