UCB Commits $2B to Anchor Gwinnett County’s Rowen Life Sciences Innovation Campus

Belgium based UCB invests $2 billion in a 460,000 square foot facility at Gwinnett County's Rowen campus, creating 330 jobs and a massive regional economic impact.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:22 AM EDT

Source: Bisnow

The Rowen Campus Landmark Transaction

The planned 460,000-square-foot facility represents a pivotal moment for Gwinnett County’s Rowen campus, a site specifically designed to attract leaders in agricultural, environmental, and medical technology. UCB’s $2 billion commitment covers the development of a state-of-the-art drugmaking plant expected to reach completion within the next five to six years. The facility will focus on producing high-demand therapeutics, including Cimzia, used for Crohn’s disease, and Neupro, a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

This deal is the result of an intensive site selection process led by Colliers, during which UCB evaluated multiple locations across the United States. Ultimately, the company chose to expand its footprint in Georgia, building upon its existing U.S. headquarters presence in Smyrna. The project is bolstered by a $174 million incentive package from Gwinnett County, encompassing infrastructure improvements and property tax abatements.

Strategic Rationale and Technological Integration

UCB’s decision to locate at Rowen is driven by a strategy to integrate advanced manufacturing with a collaborative research ecosystem. The new plant will not merely be a production site but a high-tech hub utilizing artificial intelligence, robotics, and complex automation. This focus on "Industry 4.0" standards is intended to optimize the production of complex biopharmaceuticals while maintaining a sustainable long-term operational model in a region known for its strong manufacturing tradition.

By anchoring the Rowen campus, UCB gains immediate proximity to the Rowen Convergence Center, a 10,000-square-foot innovation hub currently under construction by Holder Construction. This environment is designed to foster cross-pollination between researchers, startups, and established life sciences leaders—a key factor that Rowen CEO Mason Ailstock cited as a primary driver for the company's investment.