The State of Georgia, Gwinnett County and the Rowen Foundation have announced that global biopharmaceutical company UCB has selected Rowen as the site of its new US biologics manufacturing campus.
The planned project represents a direct investment of approximately $2bn and is expected to create more than 330 jobs as the facility comes online over the next several years.
The decision marks a defining milestone for Rowen, confirming that the 2,000-acre knowledge community envisioned along the Georgia 316 corridor is ready to support globally significant investments in advanced industries.
“UCB’s choice confirms that Rowen’s patient, partnership-driven approach is working,” said Sachin Shailendra, chairman of the Rowen Foundation.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to create a place where leading organizations can collaborate, innovate and grow with confidence. UCB’s decision validates the foundation we have built with our partners and demonstrates that Rowen delivers on its mission.”
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, UCB is a global biopharma company focused on developing innovative medicines for people living with severe neurological and autoimmune conditions The new campus will strengthen UCB’s global biologics manufacturing network and support growing demand across its portfolio and pipeline.
“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 US 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.”
UCB said Rowen’s collaborative environment and long-term vision for life sciences innovation were key factors in selecting the site.
The 460,000-square-foot facility will anchor 79 acres UCB purchased off Rowen Parkway, within walking distance of the planned Rowen Village. UCB will leverage advanced manufacturing technologies including AI, robotics and automation while prioritising efficient use of natural resources.
Design and construction are expected to take six to seven years, with the project creating hundreds of temporary construction jobs and more than 330 permanent positions once operational.
Rowen was launched in 2020 by Gwinnett County with support from regional and state partners to establish a long-term innovation community focused on advancing solutions in agriculture, medicine and the environment. Designed to bring together research institutions, companies and entrepreneurs, the community is built to accelerate discovery, commercialization and collaboration across disciplines.
“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 neighbours for supporting our vision and the work that is to come.”
More than 1,900 acres remain available at Rowen to support additional companies and long-term expansion as the site evolves into a destination for advanced research and development, clean manufacturing and innovation.
Located in metro Atlanta near the University of Georgia, Emory University, Spelman, Georgia Gwinnett College and Georgia Tech, Rowen offers companies access to a deep talent pipeline in science, engineering and advanced manufacturing while providing room for large-scale, customised development. With horizontal infrastructure now in place for nearly a quarter of the community, vertical construction beginning this year at the Rowen Convergence Center and its first global tenant secured, Rowen said it is entering a new phase of growth.