Johnson & Johnson to Build $1B Cell Therapy Plant in Pennsylvania

Nichirei's InnovAsian Cuisine to Open Frozen Foods Facility in Arkansas, Mistral AI and EcoDataCenter Partner on AI Data Center in Sweden

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Johnson & Johnson announced plans to build a new $1 billion cell therapy manufacturing plant in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, creating 500 direct biomanufacturing jobs. In Arkansas, Japan-based Nichirei Foods subsidiary InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises will open a 175,000 sq. ft. frozen foods production facility in Jonesboro, creating 200 new jobs. Meanwhile, Mistral AI and EcoDataCenter are partnering to build a new AI-focused data center in Borlänge, Sweden, as part of a $1.2 billion investment to strengthen Europe's technological autonomy in AI.

Why it matters

These investments highlight the continued growth of the life sciences industry in Pennsylvania, the expansion of Asian food brands in the U.S. market, and Europe's push to bolster its AI capabilities and digital infrastructure. The projects are expected to create thousands of new jobs and solidify these regions as hubs for innovation and manufacturing.

The details

Johnson & Johnson's new cell therapy plant in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania will focus on producing medicines targeting cancer, immune-mediated, and neurological diseases. The 500 direct biomanufacturing jobs are part of the company's $55 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing and R&D through 2029. In Arkansas, InnovAsian Cuisine's new frozen foods facility in Jonesboro's Craighead Technology Park will allow the company to meet growing demand for Asian cuisine in the U.S. market. The $105 million investment was driven by the region's speed-to-market, workforce, and local/state support. Mistral AI's partnership with EcoDataCenter in Sweden will see the construction of a new AI-focused data center in Borlänge, as well as the deployment of Mistral's AI compute across EcoDataCenter's existing facilities. The $1.2 billion investment aims to strengthen Europe's technological autonomy in AI.

  • Johnson & Johnson plans to open the new cell therapy plant in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania by 2029.
  • InnovAsian Cuisine's new frozen foods facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
  • The new AI-focused data center in Borlänge, Sweden is anticipated to be operational by 2027.

The players

Johnson & Johnson

An American multinational corporation that develops medical devices, pharmaceutical, and consumer packaged goods. The company currently operates 10 facilities across Pennsylvania and is expanding its life sciences manufacturing footprint in the state.

Nichirei Foods Inc.

A Japanese food processing company that owns the InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises brand, which is opening a new frozen foods production facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc.

A subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc. that manufactures and distributes frozen Asian cuisine products in the United States. The company is building a new 175,000 sq. ft. facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Mistral AI

A French artificial intelligence company that is partnering with EcoDataCenter to build a new AI-focused data center in Borlänge, Sweden as part of a $1.2 billion investment.

EcoDataCenter

A Swedish data center operator that is collaborating with Mistral AI to design, build and operate the new AI-focused data center in Borlänge.

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What they’re saying

“For 140 years, Johnson & Johnson has been a leading innovator in American healthcare, and we are honored to continue advancing that legacy in Pennsylvania. By uniting scientific excellence with state-of-the-art manufacturing and strategic investment, and by working collaboratively with our communities, we are delivering for patients and creating significant opportunities for workers and families.”

— Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO, Johnson & Johnson (siteselection.com)

“This new facility investment underscores InnovAsian's commitment to growth and is a pivotal moment in the evolution of the brand. This is a major step forward for Nichirei's global growth strategy in the North American market. Our new Jonesboro facility will allow us to meet growing demand for high-quality Asian cuisine while creating meaningful jobs in the community.”

— Joe Kent, President and CEO, InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc. (siteselection.com)

“AI is critical infrastructure for Europe's competitiveness, security and economic growth. Together with Mistral AI, we are building high-performance AI infrastructure on Swedish soil – with sustainability, resilience and European strategic autonomy at its core. This investment strengthens Sweden's position as a leading hub for advanced AI and digital infrastructure in Europe.”

— Peter Michelson, CEO, EcoDataCenter (siteselection.com)

What’s next

Johnson & Johnson plans to break ground on the new cell therapy plant in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in 2024. InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises expects to begin operations at its new Jonesboro, Arkansas facility by the end of 2026. Mistral AI and EcoDataCenter aim to have the new AI-focused data center in Borlänge, Sweden operational by 2027.

The takeaway

These investments showcase the continued strength of the life sciences, food manufacturing, and digital infrastructure sectors, with companies expanding operations and building new facilities to meet growing demand. The projects also highlight the appeal of Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Sweden as attractive business destinations, driven by factors like skilled workforces, supportive local and state governments, and strategic geographic locations.