An American medical device firm is to create 600 high skilled jobs here.
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has announced a €160m investment in a new technology plant in Limerick.
Last October the firm confirmed it was to invest €80m at a site, at the Plassey National Technology Park, Castletroy.
However, the US medical tech giant revealed this Friday that it’s investing a further €80m, constructing a new larger plant.
The facility will focus on creating sophisticated medical technologies, such as delivery systems and other components to support Edwards’ global supply of therapies for structural heart disease, including heart valves.
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to turn the sod on the development later this morning.
The company, headquartered in Irvine, California, plans to open the new purpose-built facility in 2021.
Mr Varadkar said Limerick city is expected to “to grow by 50 percent over the next two decades” as part of the Project Ireland 2040 development plan.
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This will be done “through enhanced regional accessibility, improved international connectivity and a competitive, educated workforce”.
“The fact that Edwards Lifesciences has chosen Limerick for this new permanent facility is a very positive endorsement of the region as a great place in which to live, work and invest,” the Taoiseach added.
“Lifesaving, cutting-edge technologies will be produced here, resulting in the creation of 600 highly skilled jobs. I wish the company and their new workforce the very best as they embark on this exciting new project,” he continued.
Edwards established operations in Ireland in 2018, and employs 50 people in the Shannon Freezone, located off Shannon Airport, Co Clare.
The additional investment around its Limerick operation includes the purchase of additional land, the construction of a larger facility, to allow for possible future expansion, and the integration of upgraded technology.
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Edwards’ chairman and chief executive, Michael Mussallem, said the company was “proud to break ground today on a modern, state-of-the-art facility in Ireland that will serve as an important addition to our global supply chain to enable global delivery of our high-quality, life-saving heart valve therapies.”
“Since we established operations in Ireland last year, we have appreciation for the excellent business environment to help develop our operations. We are also proud that we have had the opportunity to begin to engage in local community activities and initiate educational and professional opportunities for our employees.”
Mr Mussallem added he was “confident that the addition of our talented and experienced team in Ireland to our growing workforce in the US, and around the world, will provide valuable support to our shared goal of serving more patients in need”.
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