A major European pharmaceutical company revealed plans Tuesday to construct a massive drug manufacturing facility in the Atlanta metro area with a $2 billion investment.
UCB, the Belgium-based drugmaker experiencing rapid expansion, said the new facility will create approximately 330 positions when operational and serve as a cornerstone for expanding its American market presence.
“This decision reflects our confidence in UCB’s long-term growth and our deep-rooted commitment to the United States,” stated company CEO Jean-Christophe Tellier.
The pharmaceutical giant had previously announced in June its intentions to establish a new American manufacturing site while also expanding partnerships with U.S.-based contract manufacturers for drug production. UCB currently employs roughly 2,000 workers across the United States. The company has experienced impressive financial growth, with revenues climbing 26% to approach $9 billion (7.74 billion euros) in 2025. Company profits surged even more dramatically, jumping 46% to reach $1.81 billion (1.56 billion euros).
“The new biologics facility in Gwinnett County, Georgia, is designed to meet increasing demand and ensure patients receive reliable, timely access to vital treatments,” UCB executive Jacques Marbehant explained in a blog post.
The pharmaceutical company previously created well-known allergy medications Zyrtec and Xyzal. Today, UCB concentrates on developing treatments for neurological conditions and autoimmune disorders. The company’s current major success is Bimzelx, a medication used for treating autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis and inflammatory arthritis.
UCB plans to establish its manufacturing plant within a developing research park located on Gwinnett County’s eastern border, which local officials hope may eventually compete with North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park. The company’s American headquarters operates from Smyrna, another Atlanta-area suburb.
The pharmaceutical manufacturer also highlighted the advantage of being near researchers at Georgia Tech in Atlanta and the University of Georgia in Athens. Officials from both institutions have been working to foster biomedical research and manufacturing development.
Construction and design phases are projected to span six to seven years. Gwinnett County representatives confirmed they have pledged $174 million in incentives, encompassing property tax reductions, waived fees, and infrastructure improvements to support positions expected to average more than $72,000 annually. The company may also receive millions in state income tax credits, equipment purchase sales tax exemptions, and state-funded job training programs.
