UCB, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has announced its decision to invest $2 billion in Gwinnett County, establishing its first U.S. pharmaceutical biologics manufacturing operation. The new facility is expected to create 330 new jobs over the next several years 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,” said Jean-Christophe Tellier, CEO of UCB. “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 in a state that offers outstanding talent, a strong manufacturing tradition, and an ecosystem designed for sustainable, long-term success. This project is expected to generate approximately $5 billion in total economic impact, reflecting the broader value it will create for the region and its communities.”

Based in Brussels, Belgium, UCB’s new manufacturing operation adds to the UCB’s existing presence in Georgia. UCB’S North American headquarters are in Smyrna and currently support more than 400 jobs spanning expertise in neurology and immunology.

“When we met with UCB leadership earlier this year in Belgium, we discussed how the Peach State would be the right partner for their visionary plans in the U.S. that will benefit both patients and hardworking Georgians,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “UCB’s announcement is also a significant milestone for our life sciences industry, representing one of the largest investments in state history and establishing both the Rowen facility and Georgia as a true hub of innovation in this field.”

“For more than a century, UCB has been a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s growing life sciences ecosystem and collaborative approach to economic development connect companies with world-class partners in research, education, logistics, and infrastructure. Together with our focus on being the Top State for Talent, it’s why innovators like UCB choose Georgia to advance discoveries from R&D to real-world impact.”

UCB’s new manufacturing footprint marks the first major private investment at Rowen—pairing public infrastructure investment with industry to drive job creation and expand opportunity for Gwinnett’s workforce. The UCB’s campus will be state-of-the art, using a digital-first approach by leveraging AI, robotics, and automation while being natural resources efficient. 

“We are thrilled that UCB has chosen Gwinnett County to advance its global operations and pioneering innovations,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. “An investment of this magnitude was exactly what we envisioned when we committed to establishing Rowen as a hub for collaboration and discovery. As one of the most dynamic and diverse counties in the nation, Gwinnett connects UCB to a highly skilled, globally connected talent pool. UCB’s decision to invest here makes clear what industry leaders increasingly recognize: Gwinnett County is a partner in progress, committed to world-class infrastructure, premier services, and quality of life that support continued growth and success.”

“This announcement marks the shift from preparation to execution at Rowen,” said Rowen Foundation President and CEO Mason Ailstock. “Over the past several years we have focused on building the infrastructure, partnerships and vision necessary to support complex global projects. With UCB’s selection, that work will now translate into real investment, real jobs and real momentum for Georgians. We’re grateful to the Governor, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Gwinnett team, industry leaders, higher education partners and our neighbors for supporting our vision and the work that is to come.”

Economic development partners with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, Gwinnett County Government, and Georgia Power Company, worked with Partnership Gwinnett and the Georgia Department of Economic Development on this project.

“Gwinnett continues to be a pro-business community highlighted by transformative infrastructure investments. We are thrilled to welcome UCB to Gwinnett and to Rowen – the largest knowledge community in Georgia and a thriving example of intentional collaboration – we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our businesses, workforce, and the opportunities it will unlock for our community,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Partnership Gwinnett. “UCB’s selection of our community highlights the high-quality of life, robust local infrastructure, and highly skilled education ecosystem here. Gwinnett’s established partners are fully prepared to support this investment, its continued growth, and its long-term success.”

From its inception in 2007 through 2025, Partnership Gwinnett’s public-private model has supported projects that resulted in more than five billion dollars in capital investment. UCB’s two-billion-dollar investment in Rowen will support Gwinnett’s innovation ecosystem and advanced manufacturing, while supporting high quality jobs.

To learn more about UCB, visit www.UCB.com and to learn more about relocating or expanding business in Gwinnett, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com. To learn more about Rowen, visit www.RowenLife.com.