BD to invest over €70m in Limerick research centre

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has announced plans to create more than 130 new jobs and invest €70 million over five years in BD’s Research Centre Ireland R&D Centre of Excellence in Limerick.

The investment will further position the facility as a hub for the development of smart, secure connected health and infection monitoring solutions in clinical and non-clinical settings. As a result, BD will add approximately 130 new, high-quality research and development positions in engineering and scientific disciplines such as software, electronics, hardware and immunology. The expansion of the facility will include a state-of-the-art laboratory, workspaces and technologies to support cutting-edge innovation.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Tánaiste and minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said: “I had the pleasure of visiting BD’s facility in Drogheda last week to officially open the expanded site there, and I’m really pleased today to see this further good news, which will see 130 new jobs created and €70 million invested in the Limerick facility. It’s incredible growth and a testament to the talent and dedication of the existing staff in both locations. I wish the Limerick team the very best of luck with this impressive expansion.”

Executive vice president and chief technology officer at BD Beth McCombs added: “Our BD Research Centre Ireland plays an essential role in delivering products and solutions to improve biomedical discovery, the diagnosis of disease and the delivery of care for patients. Our partnership with the IDA has been vital to our success and continued expansion. Looking ahead, BD innovation is focussed on integrated, digital solutions to empower the smart hospital, enable new care settings, and improve chronic disease outcomes. Continuing to attract the best and brightest minds in Limerick and across Ireland will be critical to help BD deliver on our purpose of advancing the world of health.”

Established in 2017, the BD Research Centre Ireland facility was initially focussed on product and software development, clinical research instrumentation and prototype development primarily for two businesses within the company’s life sciences segment.

Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the site has grown to support six out of the company’s nine business units with advances across the continuum of care. An integral part of the BD research ecosystem, the BD Research Centre Ireland has grown to house centres of excellence in highly relevant specialised disciplines—such as information security, biocompatibility, and toxicology.

Senior R&D director for BD Padraig FitzGerald said: “Our associates in Ireland play a significant role in advancing solutions across our portfolio, and we’ve added 125 full-time roles in Research Centre Ireland since March 2020 to further our impact. With the 130 additional roles and expanded facilities announced today, we’ll be able to further tap into Ireland’s robust talent pool to accelerate innovation fundamental to our growth strategy.”