Global biopharmaceutical heavyweight UCB is betting big on Gwinnett County, choosing the Rowen development for a planned $2 billion biologics manufacturing campus that local leaders are already calling a once-in-a-generation win.
The project will center on a 460,000-square-foot facility spread across roughly 79 acres and is expected to create more than 330 permanent, highly skilled jobs over the next several years. Officials say it is the largest capital investment in Gwinnett County history, with full design and construction projected to stretch about six to seven years.
What UCB Will Build
In a press release via Rowen, officials said UCB has purchased about 79 acres off Rowen Parkway and plans a 460,000-square-foot manufacturing campus that will lean on AI, robotics and automation. The company says the facility will be designed to prioritize efficient use of natural resources while serving as a cornerstone of the broader Rowen innovation community.
Alongside the more than 330 permanent roles, the buildout is expected to generate hundreds of temporary construction jobs as the site comes online in phases.
Why Georgia Won The Bid
As outlined by UCB, the company had been running a U.S. feasibility study and signaled in 2025 that it intended to scale up biologics manufacturing to better serve American patients. In that 2025 release, UCB estimated roughly 300 direct high-skilled jobs and more than 500 construction roles tied to its broader U.S. expansion, figures that Rowen officials say will be reflected as the Gwinnett campus is fully built out.
State And Local Incentives
In a press release via the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Governor Brian Kemp hailed the UCB deal as "a significant milestone" for Georgia’s life sciences sector.
According to Rowen, Gwinnett County has committed an estimated $174 million in incentives and infrastructure improvements to support the project. That package includes property tax abatements, fee waivers and utility upgrades tied to the new manufacturing campus.
What It Means Locally
Rowen was conceived as a 2,000-acre "knowledge community" designed to lure life sciences, environmental and agricultural research operations to the Highway 316 corridor. Officials say UCB will become Rowen’s first global anchor tenant, a role that could help set the tone for future tenants and activity on the site.
Analysts point out that landing a major biopharma manufacturer could accelerate additional lab space and supplier development along the corridor, shifting Gwinnett’s economic profile beyond its long-standing strength in logistics and distribution, as outlined by Georgia Trend.
Next Steps And Timeline
Design and permitting are next on the to-do list, with vertical construction expected to roll out in stages starting this year. Rowen officials estimate that full design and construction for the campus will take six to seven years from start to finish.
The Rowen Foundation, Gwinnett County and UCB are expected to release more specifics on hiring, phasing and operational timelines as plans are finalized. Local reporting by the Atlanta Business Chronicle provides additional context on the incentive structure and how the project fits into long-term regional planning.
