EDWARDS Lifesciences Corporation, today announced National Technology Park, Castletroy as the location of its new permanent facility, with an aim of employing approximately 600 people.
Edwards’ investment in the project is expected to amount to approximately €80 million, and when the 170,000 square feet manufacturing facility is fully operational, the company expects to employ approximately 600 people.
“The site we have selected to base our operations in Ireland was chosen for many reasons, but one main attraction for us was the wealth of experienced talent available with the skills we require in the medical technology sector,” said Nathan Tenzer, Plant General Manager, Edwards Lifesciences.
The plant General Manager noted the importance of the plant, saying, “This plant is an integral part of our global supply strategy with locations in the United States and elsewhere, to support our future growth and reliability of supply as we serve patients worldwide.”
The positions to be filled in the plant once it is fully operational will range from leadership opportunities, planning, quality control, assembly, engineering and finance.
Speaking in response to the announcement, Pat Breen T.D., Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection said, “This new purpose-built facility shows the long-term ambitions Edwards Lifesciences has for its operations in the Mid-West. The development also reflects the many advantages this region holds, in terms of talent, infrastructure and an enterprising environment. We wish the company ongoing success and will look forward to seeing its progress in the years ahead.”
Cllr James Collins, Mayor of Limerick City and County added, “Today’s announcement by Edwards Lifesciences is a huge endorsement of the Limerick city region and its ability to attract global leaders in the Life Sciences sector to set up here, it also further cements Limerick’s reputation as a go-to location for companies wishing to innovate and expand. The eco-system in Limerick centered around co-operation between the local authority, state agencies and education providers has once again proven to be a winner for companies looking at investing in Ireland. I can assure the company of the continuing support of Limerick City and County Council.”
CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan, said: “I said at the time this project was announced back in March that an investment of this scale was terrific news for the Mid-West Region and for Ireland. The decision on location paves the way for construction of this new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The construction jobs will be of substantial value to the local economy while the 600 new roles that will be created when the facility is fully operational will be of enormous benefit to the entire region. Having Edwards Lifesciences, a global leader in its field, based in the Mid-West greatly supports the region’s reputation.”
Over 60 people, production staff, engineering and professional management are expected to be employed at Edwards Lifesciences’ initial site in the Shannon Free Zone, which opened in August if this year. People interested in applying for a position for its initial facility in Shannon and its permanent facility in Castletroy, Limerick can find out more information and submit applications at www.edwards.com/irelandjobs.
