Belgian biopharmaceutical firm UCB revealed plans Tuesday for a substantial $2 billion capital investment to establish a state-of-the-art drug manufacturing facility in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The expansion-focused pharmaceutical company indicated the facility will support approximately 330 positions when operational, serving as a cornerstone for its strategic push to strengthen market presence across the United States.

"This strategic investment underscores UCB's confidence in sustained growth trajectories and reinforces our enduring commitment to the U.S. market," stated CEO Jean-Christophe Tellier in the company's announcement.

The initiative follows UCB's June disclosure of intentions to expand domestic manufacturing capacity, including partnerships with additional U.S.-based contract manufacturing organizations. With an existing workforce of roughly 2,000 American employees, the company has demonstrated remarkable financial momentum, posting 26% revenue growth to nearly $9 billion (7.74 billion euros) in 2025. Profitability surged even more dramatically, climbing 46% to reach $1.81 billion (1.56 billion euros).

"The planned biologics manufacturing center in Gwinnett County, Georgia, addresses escalating market demand while ensuring patients maintain consistent, dependable access to critical therapeutic treatments," explained UCB executive Jacques Marbehant in a corporate blog entry.

While UCB's portfolio historically included the antihistamine brands Zyrtec and Xyzal, the company has strategically pivoted toward therapeutic categories targeting neurological conditions and autoimmune disorders. Its flagship product, Bimzelx, addresses multiple autoimmune indications including psoriatic disease and various forms of inflammatory arthritis.

The manufacturing site will anchor a developing research park along Gwinnett County's eastern boundary, an area stakeholders envision as a potential counterpart to North Carolina's renowned Research Triangle Park. UCB's existing U.S. headquarters operates from Smyrna, another Atlanta-area community.

Strategic location factors include proximity to Georgia Tech's Atlanta campus and the University of Georgia in Athens, both institutions actively developing biomedical research and biomanufacturing capabilities.

Design and construction phases are projected to span six to seven years. Gwinnett County authorities have structured an incentive package totaling $174 million, encompassing property tax abatements, administrative fee exemptions, and infrastructure enhancements supporting positions averaging over $72,000 annually. Additional benefits may include state-level income tax credits worth millions, equipment purchase sales tax waivers, and publicly funded workforce development programs.