Ireland's reputation for producing a highly-skilled workforce with top quality scientific expertise was yesterday hailed as one of the main reasons why GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) had invested €34 million in the development of a new research and development (R&D) facility at its plant in Co Cork.
GSK chairman of R&D, Dr Tachi Yamada, said Ireland had a science workforce comparable with any country its size in the world and it was the availability of such expertise that was crucial to the company's decision to locate the R&D laboratory and a new R&D pilot plant at the company's facility at Currabinny near Ringaskiddy.
Dr Yamada said the new facility would involve the use of nano-milling technology whereby submicron or 'nano'-sized drug particles are used to improve the rate and extent of oral absorption of a medicine by a patient over conventional formulations. Cork would be the first manufacturing site within GSK to commercialise this technology, he said.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney welcomed the opening of the new facility - which will create 20 jobs for scientists - and said it was very much in keeping with Government policy of deepening the roots of existing companies by combining R&D with manufacturing operations.
"This investment will ensure that the facility remains at the cutting edge of research and development," said Ms Harney.
GSK's Cork site director, Mr Finbar Whyte, said the decision was "a major vote of confidence in our operation and our people and as as a result of these investments, we are now involved in the development and manufacture of some of GSK's pioneer drugs for the future".
