200 jobs on way as medical firm expands
Up to 200 jobs are to be created in West Cork through the expansion of a medical equipment company.
A spokeswoman for Donovan Medical Equipment Ltd in Dunmanway has confirmed that, as part of its business plan, the company is planning to employ up to 200 people in Cork over the coming years.
Owned by the Tornier group, Donovan Medical was established in 1980 in Dunmanway and currently employs 90 people.
They manufacture orthopaedic implants and related instruments for sale in Europe, the United States and around the world.
Sources indicate the company is planning to relocate to the former General Instrument (GI) factory on the Inchigeela Road in Macroom with the transfer of the 90 jobs from Dunmanway.
The news of the expansion has been welcomed by the Mayor of Macroom, Cllr Ted Lucey, who said the jobs were badly needed in the town.
“The company has an excellent reputation and would be most welcome in Macroom,” he said.
Eileen Coughlan, a director with the company, said a number of options were being considered but that no decision had been made.
“The Macroom plant is one of a number of options we are looking at in Cork, but for now we are in Dunmanway and see our future here for the next six to eight months,” she added.
Declan Hurley, a spokesman for Dunmanway Promotions, said the relocation would be another bitter blow to the town.
“Donovan Medical is the last big employer in Dunmanway and it will be the death knell for the town if it relocates.
“We have already lost Stalcop to Bantry and 300 jobs at Monolycke. West Cork is being sidelined by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA), which is not promoting the region as a location for industrial investment,” he added.
