Jacksonville, Florida, January 24, 2026
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has announced a significant $550 million expansion of its Jacksonville facilities, which will include the construction of a new packaging and distribution center as well as investments in high-tech manufacturing equipment. The expansion aims to create 50 new jobs in the region by the end of 2028. To support this project, the company is seeking $12 million in city incentives, promising a return of $4.86 for every dollar invested. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing its operations while contributing to local economic growth.
Jacksonville, Florida
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Plans $550 Million Expansion
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has proposed a $550 million expansion of its Jacksonville facilities, seeking $12 million in city incentives to support the project.
Expansion Details
The proposed expansion includes a $50 million investment in constructing a packaging and distribution facility in Northwest Jacksonville and $500 million for new high-tech manufacturing equipment at the existing Deerwood Park campus. This initiative aims to add 50 jobs to the current workforce of 3,500 employees by the end of 2028. The Deerwood Park facility is responsible for manufacturing 90% of the U.S. supply of Acuvue contact lenses.
Incentive Request
To facilitate this expansion, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care is requesting $12 million in city incentives. The proposed incentives consist of two Recapture Enhanced Value Grants: a five-year, 60% grant of up to $1.5 million for the construction of the new facility, and a five-year, 40% grant of up to $10.5 million for the equipment investment. The city’s return on investment is projected to be $4.86 for every $1 in incentives provided.
Previous Investments
This proposed expansion follows a series of significant investments by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Jacksonville. In October 2023, the company initiated at least $57 million in investments at its Deerwood Park plant, including a $30.71 million project to install new equipment. In 2022, the Jacksonville City Council approved a $7 million property tax refund for a $200 million expansion that added 100 jobs.
Company Background
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is a leading manufacturer of disposable contact lenses. The company began operations in Jacksonville in 1981 and has since become a significant employer in the region, with over 3,500 employees. The Deerwood Park facility is a key site for the company’s global manufacturing operations.
City’s Economic Development Efforts
The proposed expansion aligns with Jacksonville’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain major employers. The city’s economic development initiatives aim to foster job creation and economic growth by offering incentives to companies investing in the region.
Next Steps
The incentive request is scheduled to be reviewed by the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee on January 26, 2026. If approved, legislation will be introduced to the Jacksonville City Council on February 10, 2026, for final approval.
Key Features of the Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $550 million |
| New Facility | $50 million for packaging and distribution in Northwest Jacksonville |
| Equipment Investment | $500 million for new high-tech manufacturing equipment at Deerwood Park campus |
| Job Creation | 50 additional jobs by end of 2028 |
| City Incentives Requested | $12 million in Recapture Enhanced Value Grants |
| City’s Return on Investment | $4.86 for every $1 in incentives provided |
| Deerwood Park Facility’s Role | Manufactures 90% of U.S. supply of Acuvue contact lenses |
| City’s Economic Development Efforts | Offering incentives to attract and retain major employers, aiming to foster job creation and economic growth |
| Next Steps | Incentive request to be reviewed by Mayor’s Budget Review Committee on January 26, 2026; legislation to be introduced to City Council on February 10, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed expansion by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Jacksonville?
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has proposed a $550 million expansion of its Jacksonville facilities, which includes a $50 million investment in constructing a packaging and distribution facility in Northwest Jacksonville and $500 million for new high-tech manufacturing equipment at the existing Deerwood Park campus. This expansion aims to add 50 jobs to the current workforce of 3,500 employees by the end of 2028.
What incentives is Johnson & Johnson Vision Care requesting from the city?
The company is requesting $12 million in city incentives, consisting of two Recapture Enhanced Value Grants: a five-year, 60% grant of up to $1.5 million for the construction of the new facility, and a five-year, 40% grant of up to $10.5 million for the equipment investment. The city’s return on investment is projected to be $4.86 for every $1 in incentives provided.
What is the history of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s investments in Jacksonville?
In October 2023, the company initiated at least $57 million in investments at its Deerwood Park plant, including a $30.71 million project to install new equipment. In 2022, the Jacksonville City Council approved a $7 million property tax refund for a $200 million expansion that added 100 jobs.
What is the significance of the Deerwood Park facility?
The Deerwood Park facility is responsible for manufacturing 90% of the U.S. supply of Acuvue contact lenses and is a key site for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care’s global manufacturing operations.
What are Jacksonville’s economic development efforts related to this expansion?
The proposed expansion aligns with Jacksonville’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain major employers by offering incentives to companies investing in the region, aiming to foster job creation and economic growth.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
