Cork investment has the potential to create 180 new full-time jobs
A €150m investment in the biopharmaceutical supply chain facility of Janssen Sciences Ireland in Ringaskiddy, has the potential to create 180 new full-time jobs in the areas of facilities, engineering, quality, manufacturing and regulatory affairs.
Construction on the expansion started in early 2022, and is expected to take approximately two years to complete, with up to 300 people employed during the construction period.
Announced on Friday, the expansion will add to the existing global manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to reach patients with crucial biomedicines faster. Operating in Ringaskiddy since 2005, the Janssen site manufactures medicines for immunology and oncology patients, addressing critical needs in areas such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Multiple Myeloma.
The company currently has a workforce of more than 700 people at the Ringaskiddy site and the expansion is supported by the Irish
Government through IDA Ireland.
‘BINDING TIMELINES’
CEO of Cork Chamber Conor Healy said that the announcement provided ‘a strong endorsement of Cork’s successful life sciences and pharma sector,’ however he emphasised the need expedite infrastructure projects serving Cork.
“Cork’s fast-growing capability in the life sciences sector will continue to play a key role in the region’s economic development, reflecting the regions reputation as an international hub for pharmaceutical progress. As we recover from the global pandemic it is vital that we continue to support the sector in expanding their manufacturing capacity and supply chains, not only as a vehicle to drive economic recovery but also to ensure all those requiring biomedicines are reached.”
“Meanwhile, as yet another private sector investment is made in Ringaskiddy, there must be pause for reflection on the pace of timelines relating to the M28 and other significant infrastructure in our region. We must look to isolate and resolve any process that obstructs, delays or frustrates progress. In our local authority planning, Bord Pleanála, courts, licensing and regulatory systems there must be better resources and efficient binding timelines.”