- UCB will develop a $2B, 460KSF life sciences facility at Rowen innovation campus.
- The project marks the Rowen campus’s first major win since launching in 2020.
- UCB’s presence is expected to create 330 permanent jobs and a $5B regional impact.
- Gwinnett County is providing $174M in incentives and infrastructure support.
Landmark Investment for Life Sciences
According to Bisnow, UCB, a Belgium-based life sciences company, announced plans to invest $2B in a new 460KSF drug manufacturing plant at Gwinnett County’s Rowen innovation campus. The plant, which will anchor the 2,000-acre site along Georgia State Route 316, is set to be developed over the next five to six years.
This flagship facility represents the first major commitment at Rowen, an innovation district aimed at attracting biopharma, medicine, and technology firms. The project is projected to generate 330 permanent jobs with an overall $5B economic boost for the region.
Rowen’s Vision Realized
The selection of Rowen by UCB follows the campus’s targeted push to create a hub for life sciences and innovation. According to Rowen Foundation leadership, UCB’s decision validates years of development efforts and the campus’s collaborative vision, at a time when life sciences assets are increasingly attracting institutional capital as a resilient alternative investment class. Rowen recently began construction of a 10KSF innovation hub to support future research and programming.
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Support and Incentives Secure Commitment
Gwinnett County committed roughly $174M in incentives and infrastructure upgrades, including property tax abatements and utilities, to secure the deal. The Georgia Department of Economic Development negotiated on behalf of the state. UCB cited Georgia’s talent pool, manufacturing experience, and supportive ecosystem as deciding factors.
Technology and Collaboration Drive UCB’s Plan
UCB will deploy advanced technologies, including AI, robotics, and automation, at the new facility. Meanwhile, Colliers advised UCB during site selection. Georgia officials say the project positions Rowen and the state as life sciences leaders.
