The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, confirmed today a German-owned pharmaceutical firm will expand its operation in north Dublin creating 380 jobs.
Gerard Laboratories, a fully owned subsidiary of German chemical company Merck, will invest almost €40 million at its tabletting facility at Baldoyle Industrial Estate. The company will create 380 new jobs by 2010.
Ms Harney said "This is a much needed boost for North Dublin, particularly following the announcement last week of the closure of the Celestica plant in Swords and it demonstrates that the area remains an attractive location for investment".
Gerard Laboratories currently employs 300 people in Baldoyle, manufacturing tablets and capsules for the European market and supplying over 1,500 products.
About half of the new jobs will be in production areas, with a further quarter in quality control and the rest in maintenance and administration positions.
Recruitment will begin in 2004 following the construction of an additional 110,000 square feet. Planning approval has been granted and construction will get under way this summer.