Gwinnett County proudly announces that UCB has selected Rowen as the site of its first U.S. pharmaceutical biologics manufacturing facility following a competitive, multi-state site selection process. UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, focused on developing innovative medicines for people living with severe neurological and autoimmune conditions. At a planned $2 billion investment, this is the largest capital investment in Gwinnett County’s history. While the site generates no revenue today, this investment transforms it into a long-term source of jobs, business activity and local revenue, ultimately generating an estimated $5 billion in total economic impact. 

Sitting on approximately 79 acres within the Rowen knowledge community in Gwinnett County, the 460,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will leverage AI, robotics and advanced automation while prioritizing natural resource efficiency — staying true to Rowen's vision of advancing discoveries that transform and enrich lives for generations to come.

Why UCB Chose Gwinnett County for Its U.S. Biologics Manufacturing Facility

UCB’s decision to establish its first U.S. investment that brings advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing to Gwinnett reflects a shared commitment to innovation, resilience and enduring stability. Together with Rowen, the County is cultivating an ecosystem designed to support breakthrough discoveries while strengthening the economic foundation of the region.

Key Facts About UCB’s Gwinnett County Facility:

• $5 billion in total economic impact, according to UCB projections
• 330+ permanent jobs (avg. annual salary $72,000+)
• 1,000+ construction jobs
• 460,000-square-foot facility
• Located at Rowen in Gwinnett County, GA

A Defining Moment for Gwinnett County and Rowen

UCB’s decision marks a catalytic milestone for Gwinnett County and the continued development of the Rowen innovation district. The investment reflects years of planning to position the region as a destination for advanced manufacturing, research and global collaboration.

When Rowen was first announced in 2020, Gwinnett County and the Rowen Foundation envisioned a long-term innovation district where companies, researchers and entrepreneurs could collaborate to solve global challenges. Today’s announcement represents a milestone toward making this vision a reality, anchored in growth, collaboration and lasting stability.

“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 center 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.”

Gwinnett County has committed to incentives valued at more than $174 million comprised of property tax savings, fee waivers and infrastructure investment in support of the project.

What This Investment Means for Biopharma and Economic Growth in Georgia

As construction begins at UCB’s facility, it sends a clear message to companies around the world that Gwinnett County is a place where innovation, global operations and advanced manufacturing can thrive. UCB’s decision also reflects confidence in Rowen’s aims to attract leading companies and investment in high-growth sectors while building a collaborative environment for research institutions, industry partners and talent to drive economic opportunity at Rowen.

Local leaders highlighted the investment’s impact on healthcare innovation and economic opportunity.

“This investment represents a significant step forward for Gwinnett County and for the residents of District 3,” said District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III. “As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of advancing life sciences and strengthening our nation’s pharmaceutical capabilities. UCB choosing Rowen reflects the strength of our community, our workforce and our commitment to building a future centered on innovation, opportunity and improved health outcomes.”

This project, coordinated in partnership with the Governor's Office, the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Global Commerce team, the Rowen Foundation, Partnership Gwinnett, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Power, strengthens domestic advanced manufacturing capabilities and contributes to the long-term resilience of essential industries like biopharmaceuticals.
 
"We are grateful to all our partners for helping to make this project a reality," added Chairwoman Love Hendrickson.

Rowen is a 2,000-acre planned knowledge community along Georgia’s Highway 316 corridor designed to bring together research institutions, global companies, entrepreneurs and talent. Initial infrastructure development began following a nearly $70 million investment from the Development Authority of Gwinnett County in 2020, supporting land acquisition and early infrastructure development for the project.

In further support of the development of Rowen, the County built infrastructure to benefit the project, including:

• Five miles of new and upsized water lines
• Six miles of new gravity sewer lines
• Seven miles of parallel wastewater force mains
• A new regional sewer pump station with a 14-million-gallon-per-day capacity
• 5.25 miles of trails from Harbins Road along the Apalachee River
• More than two miles of roadways

Rowen is also set to start construction on its Convergence Center this summer and completed its first phase of roads and utilities in 2025. More than 1,900 acres remain available to support additional companies and long-term expansion as the site evolves into a destination for advanced research and development, clean manufacturing and innovation.

The County’s investment in Rowen aligns with the Gwinnett Standard through an excellence in planning, responsible stewardship and strategic partnerships, illustrating the Gwinnett way of aligning public investment with long-term community benefit.

Key Questions About the UCB Facility 

What is UCB building in Gwinnett County?
UCB is building a $2 billion manufacturing facility in the Rowen knowledge community in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

How many jobs will the UCB facility create?
The project is expected to create more than 330 permanent full-time jobs and over 1,000 construction jobs.

What is Rowen in Gwinnett County?
Rowen is a 2,000-acre innovation district designed to bring together research institutions, global companies and talent.