US biotechnology company Amgen is to invest $100 million (€88.7 million) in the construction of a new vial filling line at its Dublin facility.
The project, which is one of the company's largest outside North America, includes state of the art technology and new site infrastructure at its manufacturing plant.
Amgen said it would lead to the creation of 150 construction jobs. Work has already begun and the line is due to be fully operational by 2024. The Dun Laoghaire plant specialises in formulation, aseptic drug product filling, lyophilisation, packaging and analytical testing at its on-site laboratories. It currently employs 670 staff.
"The investment we are announcing today will enable us to serve more patients here in Ireland and all over the world," said Paul Greene, vice-president for regional manufacturing. "Since we acquired the manufacturing plant in Dun Laoghaire, we have now invested $900 million to expand and update our production facilities and to bring in new products and capabilities. This investment is a testament to our commitment to our local community and our highly skilled workforce."
The news was welcomed by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar who said the " $100 million investment will bring the company's total investment in the Dublin plant to $900 million . Amgen is one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, and this investment underscores Ireland's position as a leading global location for the sector".
IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan said the investment illustrated Amgen's ongoing commitment to Ireland.
