110 NEW jobs have been announced for Limerick this Tuesday with the arrival of Ortec Inc who will set up their EU headquarters in Newcastle West.
Ortec Inc., a leading biomaterial and polymer technology company serving the life sciences industry, has this Tuesday announced it is to establish a European Headquarters, Manufacturing and Operations Centre in County Limerick, creating up to 110 skilled engineering and science jobs in the region over the next several years once the plant is operational.
The project is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through IDA Ireland.
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Easley, South Carolina, the privately owned company offers custom materials used in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other health related FDA/EMA regulated industries.
Ortec Inc. will commence its manufacturing operation in a 13,000ft2 leased building at Newcastle West Business Park. The company plans to double capacity at the facility to 26,000ft2 in the coming months subject to planning permission.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Employment, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said: “I am delighted that Ortec Inc., has decided to establish its European Headquarters and first investment outside of the US in Limerick.
“These are exactly the kind of high quality graduate jobs that we seek to attract and it is a strong vote of confidence for Ireland and our regions that Ortec Inc. has decided to establish its European Headquarters here.”
Announcing the investment today, Ortec Inc.’s Senior Vice President Christopher Brotherton said: “This is our first investment outside of the US, and we are pleased to be doing it in Ireland.
“Bringing the project to this stage has required a great deal of collaboration. We have received tremendous support from IDA Ireland, Limerick City and County Council, Shannon Properties, and a multitude of local professional advisors. We are excited to be part of the community in Newcastle West.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD welcomed the jobs announcement hailing it as a “fantastic endorsement” for the community.
CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said: “It’s great to see this project come to fruition. It is a terrific win for Newcastle West, for Limerick and the wider region, especially as it’s the company’s first investment outside the US.
“Ortec’s plans to quickly scale up its operations here demonstrates a firm commitment which will be of significant benefit in terms of jobs and benefit to the local community”.
Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick, Niall Collins said that it was fantastic news for Limerick and “shows that Limerick can be a leading choice for companies looking for a high-quality workforce”.
Hoping that Government and its agencies continue to highlight Limerick and the Mid West for FDI site visits, Deputy Collins said that “a jobs announcement like today’s should become norm for the people of Limerick. That should become the priority.”
“Ortec should be congratulated for choosing Limerick, and Newcastle West in particular. These new jobs will be of significant importance in kick-starting other enterprises in the region,” concluded Deputy Collins.
