New Jersey’s Global Manufacturing Boom: Why the World Chooses New Jersey

New Jersey is experiencing a significant influx of international companies, transforming its economic landscape. Global leaders in pharmaceutical manufacturing and robotics are establishing major operations in New Jersey, choosing the state for its strategic advantages.

International Pharma Manufacturing Companies Choose New Jersey for United States Expansion

Across Central New Jersey, international companies are building substantial manufacturing plants, research hubs, and distribution centers to reach the U.S. market.

New Jersey’s strong life sciences sector continues to attract top-tier international investment, largely due to our incredible talent pool and workforce development programs that respond to industry needs. Recent examples highlight a clear pattern:

• Aucta Pharmaceuticals Inc.: With roots in both the U.S. and China, Aucta opened a new facility in Bernards Township dedicated to developing and manufacturing specialty generic drugs.
• Aurobindo Pharma: A major player from India, Aurobindo Pharma, has expanded its presence with a large facility in East Windsor. This location serves as a crucial part of its U.S. distribution network for generic pharmaceuticals and active ingredients.
• Biocon: This leading Indian biopharmaceutical company opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Cranbury. Biocon’s focus on biosimilars and research and development of complex biologics finds a supportive ecosystem in New Jersey.
• Celltrion: South Korean pharmaceutical company Celltrion will acquire Eli Lilly’s production facility in Branchburg. The deal will strengthen the company’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, expand its presence in the biosimilar market, and ensure a stable supply chain.
• Enzene Biosciences: This India-based biopharmaceutical CDMO established its first U.S. manufacturing facility on the Princeton West Innovation Campus in Hopewell. The new plant will focus on producing biologics and biosimilars, tapping into the region’s deep talent pool in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The trend extends beyond pharmaceuticals. The state’s prime location and infrastructure are attracting advanced manufacturing and logistics firms.

• Libiao Robotics: This Chinese robotics firm selected Hillsborough for its new facility. The move signals New Jersey’s growing importance as a hub for automation and logistics technology, driven by its proximity to major consumer markets and port facilities.

These investments are creating a ripple effect, bolstering local economies, and generating high-quality jobs across the state.

Biocon’s focus on biosimilars and research and development of complex biologics finds a supportive ecosystem in New Jersey.

Enzene’s new plant will focus on producing biologics and biosimilars, tapping into the region’s deep talent pool in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Libiao Robotics’ move signals New Jersey’s growing importance as a hub for automation and logistics technology.

Aurobindo’s new location serves as a crucial part of its U.S. distribution network for generic pharmaceuticals and active ingredients.

Aucta opened a new facility in Bernards Township dedicated to developing and manufacturing specialty generic drugs.

Workforce Development Programs for Economic Momentum

Sustaining this economic growth requires a continuous pipeline of skilled labor. New Jersey’s educational institutions have created initiatives to meet this demand, forging strong partnerships with industry to ensure their programs align with business needs.

Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is a prime example of this proactive approach. The college just launched the expanded Workforce Training Center (WTC), a state-of-the-art workforce training program with a facility that now totals 66,000 square feet. WTC was created to fill workforce gaps reported by industries. 

The program is part of NJBioFutures, a public-private workforce development coalition launched by Johnson & Johnson and the New Jersey Council of County Colleges to develop a skilled talent pipeline that meets the evolving needs of the cell and gene therapeutics sector. RVCC is one of the three New Jersey community colleges that have partnered with NJBioFutures, along with Middlesex College and Mercer County Community College.

One of the highlights of the WTC expansion is the cutting-edge facility housing the college’s new Aseptic Biomanufacturing program, which features a new cleanroom training environment. RVCC is the first community college in New Jersey to offer hands-on training in a cleanroom setting and is among the few colleges nationwide that offer students access to such facilities.

This program allows global companies to hire local talent already equipped with the foundational skills needed to work in a modern manufacturing environment.

How to Grow Your Business in New Jersey

Interested in joining the new wave of innovation and expansion in New Jersey?

Choose New Jersey works globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the state, and convening power, in collaboration with state government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. We also have dedicated Centers throughout the world that offer specialized assistance to companies in those regions. Head to our Global Centers page to connect with a representative. For more on New Jersey’s advanced manufacturing industry, go to our industry-specific page.