Abbott in move to Finisklin
ABBOTT is relocating its Irish Nutritional Devices business from Ballytivnan to the new, purpose- built IDA Ireland Advance Technology building located at the Finisklin industrial estate.
The move will see a combined investment of almost € 10 million and will enable the consolidation of manufacturing and business support within one building, enabling the creation of a medical nutrition device centre of excellence. This move also provides space for any additional manufacturing and support positions should they be created by the company in the future.
The aim is for the relocation to be completed in the first half of 2018 following work to extend the Finisklin building. This investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said: “Abbott’s relocation within Sligo to a space with potential for expansion is very positive news for Sligo and the region. Abbott has been a tremendous success story in Ireland with plants located in several regional centres providing valuable employment. This move shows Abbott’s commitment to Sligo and is a great vote of confidence in what the region has to offer.”
Sean O’Hara, Abbott’s Site Director at Ballytivnan said: “Our aim is to enable people to live fuller, healthier lives. The talent available in Ireland is key in enabling us to do so. This relocation and investment ensures our people in Sligo can continue to help people all over the world lead healthier lives full of unlimited possibilities.”
CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said: “Abbott has a long history of investing in Ireland and valuing the talent and business infrastructure which is available nationally and in the business location of Sligo. Abbott is of key importance to Ireland’s life sciences sector and contributes substantially to Ireland’s export economy. The decision to proactively build properties to attract foreign investors into regional locations has been further evidenced by Abbott Nutrition’s decision to move over 100 existing staff members into the newly built IDA Advance Technology building which will also provide scope for the company to grow in the future.”
The company’s first medical device manufacturing location in Ireland was established in Sligo in 1974 and now has operations in all four provinces across 10 sites, including six manufacturing facilities.
Deputy Tony McLoughlin said:“Relocating to IDA Ireland’s purpose built Advance Technology building in Finisklin gives Abbott the potential to expand and create new jobs in Sligo in the future.
“Abbott’s decision sends out a really positive message to potential international investors that Sligo is open for business and has world class facilities to help ensure their success.”