Edwards Lifesciences to build medical manufacturing plant in Ireland
A new medical manufacturing plant is set to be built in the midwest of Ireland by 2020.
Manufacturer of patient-focused technology, Edwards Lifesciences, announced it has chosen Ireland as the location for its new manufacturing plant.
The plant will initially be used to support the manufacturing of therapies that enable minimally invasive procedures on patients’ aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves, where open heart surgery would previously have been used.
Speaking about the announcement, Irish minister Heather Humphreys, said: “Today is a wonderful day as we mark this very significant regional investment. The arrival of Edwards Lifesciences is a vote of confidence in the Mid-West region as a destination for high-end medical technology manufacturers. It will provide even more opportunities for local residents and communities to grow and thrive. My department, through the IDA, is committed to supporting Edwards as it establishes operations in Ireland and as the company continues to develop its innovative heart valve technologies.”
Pat Breen, minister of State and TD for Clare, said: “On behalf of everyone in the midwest, I would like warmly welcome Edwards Lifesciences to the region. Their presence here serves to highlight the attractiveness of the region as a destination for progressive, innovation-driven companies. I would like to wish Edwards well in their future operations and assure them of our ongoing support.”
Edwards Lifesciences is planning to hire around 60 people in 2018, including production staff, engineering and professional management, to work at its initial site in the Shannon Free Zone.
When the plant opens in 2020, the company expects it will employ around 600 people.
Edwards Lifesciences’ vice president, global supply chain, Joe Nuzzolese, said: “The addition of a manufacturing location in Ireland is an element of Edwards’ global supply strategy to support future growth and reliability of supply, and continues the growth in employment Edwards has experienced both in the United States and around the world.”
“Choosing this location included many considerations, but an important one is a talented workforce with experience in medical technology. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the local community through engagement and philanthropic support, and providing educational and professional opportunities for our employees. We are excited to welcome these new associates into Edwards, with the shared goal of serving more patients around the world by delivering high quality life-saving technologies.”
Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “This announcement by Edwards Lifesciences that it is establishing a new manufacturing facility in the Mid-West is terrific news for the region and for Ireland. The company’s arrival further enhances Ireland’s reputation as a preferred location for leading companies in the life sciences sector. Winning investment for regional locations is a key focus for IDA Ireland and this project is an excellent one to secure for this region.”