Dublin West set for huge jobs bonanza

DUBLIN 15 is getting a major jobs boost thanks to news that bio-pharma giant Bristol-Myers Squibb is to build a new cutting edge manufacturing facility in Blanchardstown north.

Around 1,000 construction jobs and up to 400 scientists, engineers, bioprocess operators, quality specialists and other skilled positions are to be created from the expansion of the company’s operations at its Cruiserath site.

The company’s positive development comes just months after plans to shut down the Dublin 15 plant in 2015 were announced.

The new multi-million euro expansion has been described as a

“game-changer

? by the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).

“It endorses Ireland as the best location in the world for bioprocessing investment,

? said Dr Reg Shaw, CEO of the NIBRT.

Bristol-Myers Squibb has a growing portfolio of approved and investigational biologic medicines across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, virology and immunoscience.

Biologic medicines are an increasingly important tool in the treatment of serious diseases and comprise more than half of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s research and development pipeline.
The company’s new 30,000 sq mt facility will house six 15,000-liter bioreactors and a purification area, as well as office and laboratory space.

Construction is due to begin late next year and it’s expected to take four years to complete and should be operational by 2019. The full cost of the facility is expected to be

?¬764 million and the company plans to submit the site for regulatory approvals in 2019.

“Our investment in this new facility reflects the strength of our business and the increasingly important role that biologic medicines will play in Bristol-Myers Squibb’s future,

? said company CEO, Lamberto Andreotti.

“For 50 years, Bristol-Myers Squibb has maintained a significant manufacturing presence in Ireland, and we look forward to building on that legacy through this significant expansion of our manufacturing capability.

?

Tánaiste and Dublin West TD, Joan Burton, described the project as a

“hugely important boost for Dublin West

?.

“Dublin West is fast becoming a major hub for IT and R&D, with an array of high-tech companies already located here,

? she said.

“The number of universities, ITs and colleges close by makes the area a strong academic corridor, so Dublin West is brilliantly located to secure more such jobs.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb is at the cutting-edge of biological medicine, and the decision to construct its new manufacturing facility in Dublin represents a massive vote of confidence in Ireland’s recovery.

?

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor, David McGuinness, also welcomed the area’s job boost.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb are an important company in Dublin West,

? he said.

“They have provided a base of pharma excellence and have provided employment for a lot of families in the area. Recently, a job loss announcement from Bristol-Myers Squibb was devastating for the area but today’s announcement is excellent news for Dublin 15.

“This news comes following the arrival a new Pharma plant beside Bristol-Myers Squibb. Alexion Pharmaceutical is currently building its plant across the road and Dublin 15 is quickly becoming a centre of excellence for the pharmaceutical industry.

“I would like to congratulate the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Fingal County Council for their continued efforts in developing Dublin West as a hub of Foreign-Direct Investment.

?

Bristol-Myers Squibb currently employs more than 600 people in Ireland, including 300 at its bulk pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Swords.