#United States #biopharmaceuticals #UCB #Gwinnett County #Rowen

UCB Chooses Rowen for $2 Billion Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Site

In a landmark decision, global biopharmaceutical company UCB has announced its plans to establish a $2 billion biologics manufacturing campus in Rowen, Georgia. This project, which is anticipated to generate over 330 high-quality jobs, signifies a significant milestone for the life sciences sector in Gwinnett County. The news was made public on March 24, 2026, by state and local officials alongside the Rowen Foundation.

UCB's new facility promises to occupy an impressive 460,000 square feet, nestled within a picturesque wooded region at the end of Rowen Parkway. This strategic move is projected to create an economic impact totaling $5 billion, showcasing how Rowen is becoming a nexus for advanced industries. The announcement highlights the collaborative efforts and innovative community model that Rowen has been cultivating since its inception.

Sachin Shailendra, chairman of the Rowen Foundation, expressed his excitement, stating, "UCB's choice confirms that Rowen's patient, partnership-driven approach is working. Our vision is to create a collaborative environment where organizations like UCB can innovate and thrive. This decision validates our mission and foundational efforts with various partners."

UCB, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, has a long history of developing therapies for severe neurological and autoimmune disorders. According to Jean-Christophe Tellier, the CEO of UCB, this new campus will bolster the company's biologics manufacturing network, thus addressing the growing demand across its product portfolio and pipeline. He remarked, "Investing in Georgia, where our U.S. headquarters have operated for over three decades, empowers us to enhance our manufacturing capabilities and drive innovation, all while creating high-quality jobs in a region renowned for its exceptional talent."

The new facility will not only modernize UCB's operations but also introduce advanced manufacturing technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. These innovations promise to optimize resource utilization, paving the way for an environmentally sustainable operation. The entire project is expected to initiate a construction phase that will span over six to seven years, leading to the permanent establishment of more than 330 positions once operations commence.

Rowen, launched in 2020 with contributions from Gwinnett County, aims to establish a robust innovation community focusing on advancements in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sciences. This vision is constructed around collaboration among research institutions, businesses, and entrepreneurs to expedite commercialization and foster inter-disciplinary cooperation.

Mason Ailstock, President and CEO of the Rowen Foundation, noted that this landmark announcement marks a transition from the preliminary phases of development to meaningful investment and job creation for the region. He stated, "With UCB's selection, our groundwork will shift into tangible benefits for communities across Georgia. We are grateful to the extensive support from local and state-level stakeholders over the years."

Rowen encompasses 2,000 acres, now partly developed for global projects, while still retaining over 1,900 acres for future growth and expansion. It is positioned near premier educational institutions such as the University of Georgia, Emory University, and Georgia Tech, providing access to a skilled workforce in science, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

The competitive site selection process that led UCB to Rowen highlighted the locale's strategic advantages—access to a talented workforce, infrastructural readiness, and potential for long-term scalability were decisive factors. Furthermore, Gwinnett County's commitment of approximately $174 million in incentives and infrastructure enhancements reinforces its appeal as a burgeoning hub for advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

With UCB’s groundbreaking investment now secured, Rowen is poised for a new phase of growth as it continues to attract leading organizations aiming for innovation in the biopharmaceutical landscape. This monumental step for Rowen sets the stage for a future filled with opportunities not just for UCB but for the entire region's economic and technological advancements.

This selected site will serve as more than just a manufacturing plant; it symbolizes an evolution of Rowen into a significant player in the global life sciences arena, allowing for continuous growth and innovation while positively impacting the local economy.