THE DECISION by British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline to invest €30 million in a new facility that will create 50 jobs at its plant in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, was yesterday hailed as a further vote of confidence in the local management and staff.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Martin Cullen, announced details of the latest €30 million investment as he performed the official opening along with GSK chairman, Sir Christopher Gent, of a new €23 million facility at the Dungarvan site.
"Implementation of these two investments, in such a short time-span, is a major vote of confidence in the Dungarvan facility and in the capabilities of the town of Dungarvan to support such strategic developments," said Mr Cullen
"The investments underpin the existing operation and its workforce, and will create excellent additional employment opportunities. They will also significantly enhance the facility's role in GSK's global business," he added.
GSK, which opened its first facility in Dungarvan in 1987 and is now the largest employer in the town with 700 staff, said that the latest €30 million investment, which is supported by IDA Ireland, would result in 50 new jobs at its GSK Dungarvan Ltd site.
The GSK Dungarvan Ltd site is involved in the manufacture of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals in tablet form such as Panadol, Panadol Extra, Coldrex and Solpadeine for global markets.
The company's other plant in the town, GSK Oral Care, was established in 2001 when GSK took over an existing facility, and is involved in the global manufacture of denture care products such as Polident, Poligrip and Corega.
Michael Tyler, vice-president and site director of GSK Dungarvan, said the latest announcement was "a significant investment for the Dungarvan community and recognises the confidence and trust GSK has in our employees".
The 50 new high-quality jobs will arrive over three years in the production of the company's smoking cessation product, NiQuitin CQ, for all markets outside North America, with the jobs being in production, quality, technical and engineering areas, he said.
Mr Tyler revealed the new facility officially opened yesterday will enable GSK to increase its annual tablet production in Dungarvan from 9 billion to 12 billion.
Dungarvan currently produces 80 per cent of all Panadol products for supply worldwide and the new building will allow the company expand its production of Panadol extensions such as Panadol Extra, Panadol Night Pain and Panadol ActiFast as well as Panadol.
"The new manufacturing facility is a key enabler in supporting the growth aspirations of the GSK's consumer health care business globally and this event sends a message of confidence in both the people and the town of Dungarvan and positions us well for future growth."
GSK first established operations in Ireland in 1975 and also has a plant at Currabinny in Cork where it develops and produces a range of bulk pharmaceuticals, as well as an R&D facility and its European trading operations
Some 1,450 of the company's worldwide workforce of 101,000 people are based in Ireland and include 500 at the Currabinny plant as well as some 250 at the company's sales and marketing division based in Dublin.
