Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is continuing to expand operations in Jacksonville pending approval of local incentives, as reported in the JAXUSA Partnership newsletter. The company selected Jacksonville over Ireland to grow its manufacturing capabilities, which will add significant capacity and R&D technology in the region. The more than $300 million investment will support the design and development of new products for the global market. In addition to the significant capital investment, the project will add 100 new jobs.

This project will allow Jacksonville, and the state, to be the location for all new product introduction. The new R&D facility will support development of the latest contact lenses and special materials associated with the manufacturing process.

Fanatics, one of the top 50 global internet retail companies, is investing $10 million to expand its local IT footprint. The project will add 80 new jobs in the headquarters and IT space. These very high-wage IT jobs will be advancing the technology for mobile device purchasing of Fanatics products around the world.

Safariland, a leader and innovator in the law enforcement industry, is expanding its operations in Jacksonville. The company is investing $1 million in facility upgrades and new manufacturing equipment. This project will add 30 new jobs to our region.