Pharma firm Mylan to create 500 Irish jobs
US pharmaceutical company Mylan has announced the creation of 500 new jobs in Ireland by 2016.
Some 220 jobs will be created in Galway and 280 in Dublin, the company said in a statement announcing a five-year investment up of to €76m per annum, totalling some €380m.
The planned expansion of Mylan's operations in Ireland involves R&D and manufacturing capabilities within the company's respiratory, injectables and oral solids franchises.
The investment is supported by the IDA.
Mylan currently is the largest generics pharmaceutical manufacturer in Ireland and one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, providing products to customers in more than 150 countries and territories and with a global workforce of more than 18,000.
It currently employs about 700 people at its facilities in Ireland, which include Gerard Laboratories in Dublin and Bioniche Pharma in Connemara.
"Mylan's decision to expand in both Dublin and Galway is most welcome news," Taoiseach Enda Kenny said.
"Mylan is a key member of the Irish pharmaceutical sector and one of the top suppliers in the country.
"Today's announcement, in addition to the company's proven, 25-year track record as a top employer and reliable exporter in Ireland, demonstrates Mylan's commitment to its Irish operations and recognition for the capabilities of its talented workforce."
The announcement was also welcomed by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton.
"The life sciences industry is a key part of this government's strategy for jobs and growth," Minister Bruton said.
"Employing approximately 50,000 people here directly, the sector is a major strength in Ireland."
The firm's CEO Heather Bresch said Ireland had proven to be a valuable location for Mylan, "providing the company with access to a skilled and highly educated workforce that shares our strong work ethic and commitment to excellence".
Meanwhile, junior minister responsible for the Gaeltacht Dinny McGinley said the jobs boost in the Galway Connemara branch in particular was a major coup for the region.
The Donegal South-West TD said Mylan’s expansion in the Irish-speaking region represents a vote of confidence in the area’s workforce.
“This is a prime example of how Ireland’s enterprise development agencies collaborate to ensure that the west of Ireland and specifically the Gaeltacht benefits from job creation through foreign direct investment,” said Mr McGinley.
