Locally-Headquartered Company Considering $300 Million Expansion
May 06, 2015
Proposed Project Would Create 100 New Jobs
Legislation being filed today by Mayor Alvin Brown could lead to a facility expansion for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (JJVC) at its worldwide headquarters in Jacksonville. This extremely competitive opportunity would continue Jacksonville’s momentum as the go-to city for advanced manufacturing.
If the legislation is approved by City Council, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, also known locally as VISTAKON®, would add an additional 100 high-wage employees to its local workforce and invest $300 million into its Jacksonville contact lens manufacturing facility.
“Jacksonville is open for business, and this proposed expansion further cements Jacksonville’s reputation as a major destination for advanced manufacturing,” said Mayor Brown. “Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s plan to create 100 new jobs and invest $300 million to expand their global headquarters shows continued confidence in our city’s growing market position as a destination for advanced manufacturing.”
The company currently manufactures over 4 billion contact lenses worldwide annually, with 1.7 billion of those made in the U.S. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care employs nearly 4,000 employees worldwide in 52 countries, with 2,000 at its Jacksonville facility.
The JAX Chamber has played a key role in bringing this project to fruition.
“This expansion is great for the local economy as we continue to increase advanced manufacturing jobs, and is also a huge win for our region," said Jerry Mallot, president of JAXUSA Partnership, the economic development arm of JAX Chamber. “VISTAKON has been a tremendous community partner, investing in our local schools to grow a high-tech, skilled workforce and we look forward to continuing to work with the company as it grows here in Northeast Florida.”
As part of the potential investment, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is working to initiate a partnership with the University of North Florida to develop a Center of Excellence for 3D printing at its local manufacturing facility. This partnership would complement collaborations the company has already established with area educational institutions.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has made significant educational efforts in recent years to invest in Jacksonville youth. The company established the Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering in partnership with Englewood High School and Florida State College at Jacksonville. More than 50 students each year are mentored and supported through the program. All of the students who graduate from the program receive a high school diploma, an associate degree and priority consideration for job opportunities at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.
“Programs like the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering help make our community stronger,” said Tim Ryan, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care plant manager. “We’re hopeful for continued partnerships so we can make additional positive contributions to the Jacksonville community.”
Johnson & Johnson acquired Frontier Contact Lenses in 1981, and is headquartered in Jacksonville. Last year, with support from the City of Jacksonville, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care invested $218 million in a previous expansion to manufacture the latest generation of ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses in Jacksonville.
About Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is committed to creating life-long solutions to vision care needs. Since the ACUVUE® Brand made its debut in 1987 as the world’s first disposable soft contact lens, the company has repeatedly brought innovative, quality, and scientific advancements to the industry. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the company has some 4,000 employees worldwide. For additional information, visit www.jnjvc.com.