Healthcare firm to create 250 Mayo jobs
Leading healthcare firm Hollister is to create 250 jobs in the west of Ireland, it was revealed today.
The medical devices company is to invest €65m at its manufacturing plant in Ballina, Co Mayo.
Batt O’Keeffe, Enterprise Minister, said the expansion will have an enormous economic impact on the region.
“Hollister has been part of the business community in Ballina for almost 35 years, contributing more than €52m annually to the Irish economy, including €40m spent on salaries and materials sourced locally in the west of Ireland,” the minister said.
“Ireland hosts 15 of the world’s top 25 medical devices firms and Hollister’s expansion plan demonstrates to the global investor community that our economic recovery is possible and we remain an attractive location for advanced manufacturing.
“I look forward to building on our strong relationship with Hollister and helping the firm to grow in Ireland.”
The development will add about 75,000 square feet to the company’s facility and create 200 construction jobs. Work is expected to begin late this year and to be completed before the end of 2011.
The investment will allow for increased manufacturing capability in both the company’s ostomy and continence care products.
Alan F Herbert, Hollister chairman and chief executive, said: “Our decision to invest in this major expansion project in Ballina was made after very thoughtful consideration.
“This is a key strategic initiative for our company, and the support we have received from local business leaders and IDA lets us know that we have made the right choice for the continued success of our company and for the people who depend on our products and services.”
IDA chief executive Barry O’Leary said: “Today’s announcement by Hollister clearly demonstrates Ireland’s continuing ability to secure high-end manufacturing investments in the medical technologies sector.”
The move has been welcomed as "a significant vote of confidence in Ireland, and particularly the Western Region, as a location for Foreign Direct Investment".
Gerard Kilcommins of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland said that in spite of difficult economic conditions, Ireland remains a location of choice for US multinationals looking to create and expand operations in Europe.
"Mayo has a portfolio of world-class foreign direct investment manufacturing companies which employ 3,000 people directly and a further 6,000 in indirect employment," Mr Kilcommins said.
