LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | The Rowen project is getting its first major tenant. UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, will build its first U.S. pharmaceutical biologics manufacturing facility at Rowen, a 2,000-acre innovation and knowledge community in Gwinnett County. The $2 billion capital investment is the largest in Gwinnett County’s history and is projected to generate approximately $5 billion in total economic impact.
UCB focuses on developing medicines for people living with severe neurological and autoimmune conditions. The 460,000-square-foot facility, which will be located on approximately 79 acres within the Rowen community, brings advanced manufacturing onshore. It will feature a state-of-the-art, digital-first manufacturing approach leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced automation while prioritizing efficient use of natural resources.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, says: “We are thrilled that UCB has chosen Gwinnett County as its first-ever site in the U.S. to pioneer innovation and advance its global operations. This long-term investment reflects the collective vision we set in motion to establish Rowen, supported by the stability of our local government and our consistent approach to economic development. Gwinnett County offers a highly skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure and a quality of life that supports long-term success.”
UCB’s selection of Rowen represents a catalytic milestone for Gwinnett County and signals that the county’s long-term economic development strategy is delivering meaningful results. The project will create more than 330 permanent roles with average annual salaries exceeding $72,000, in addition to more than 1,000 construction jobs, and further strengthen Gwinnett County’s position as a destination for discovery, collaboration and sustained economic growth.
Gwinnett County has committed to incentives valued at more than $174 million comprised of property tax savings, fee waivers and infrastructure investment to support the project.
Since announcing Rowen in 2020, Gwinnett County has made strategic investments to transform the site into a 2,000-acre knowledge community designed to bring together research, industry and talent to create a destination for top global companies. Initial development on the Rowen property began following a nearly $70 million investment from the Development Authority of Gwinnett County, supporting land acquisition and early infrastructure buildout for the project. Rowen completed its first phase of roads and utilities in 2025 and is set to start construction on its Convergence Center this summer. More than 1,900 acres remain available at Rowen for additional companies and long-term expansion.
As Rowen continues to take shape, this announcement sends a clear message to companies around the world: Gwinnett County is committed to providing the services, infrastructure and quality of life that leading organizations are seeking as they grow and innovate.
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