UP TO 1,000 new jobs are set to be created in Dublin 15 following the announcement of a significant expansion plan from a major pharmaceutical firm.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals says it will be seeking planning permission for a 20,000 sq mt biologics manufacturing facility in Blanchardstown, which will create around 200 new full time jobs.
Construction of the major plant is expected to generate a further 800 jobs in what will be one of the largest investments ever in Ireland’s healthcare sector.
The
?¬450 million, four-year project, which will be constructed at Alexion’s College Park site, is expected to take four years to complete.
The company, which specialises in the development of therapies for patients with severe and life-threatening rare diseases, has operated in Ireland since 2013.
It has an operation in Athlone as well as its Global Supply Chain facility at College Park, where the new expansion will take place. The first phase of College Park is expected to be operational by year-end but planning permission will be needed for the major expansion announced earlier this month.
Julie O’Neill, EVP Global Operations with Alexion, said the expansion will include the company’s first biologics manufacturing facility outside the United States.
?This project further underscores our commitment to Ireland and is enabled by our ability to recruit highly competent and professional personnel to support the production and distribution of our medicine, Soliris, and our strong pipeline of biologics medicines,
? she said.
“Alexion has a unique mission to develop life-transforming therapies for patients with severe and life-threatening ultra-rare disorders.
“We are already serving the very few patients in Ireland suffering from two very rare and devastating diseases; with this major expansion, our Irish operations, comprising biologics manufacturing, vial fill-finish and global supply chain, will be at the forefront of this vital work globally.
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Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton described Alexion’s plans as an extremely strong endorsement for Ireland, and Dublin West in particular as an attractive location for high-end investment.
“It underlines the jobs-led recovery that is underway, with 90,000 jobs created and the Live Register down by a third since the peak of the crisis,
? she added.
“We are determined to maintain this progress into the future. As Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister, my Department stands ready to assist Alexion with their recruitment needs, in particular through our Employer Engagement Unit.
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Fine Gael Senator, Catherine Noone, also welcomed Alexion’s announcement.
“This is a huge vote of confidence in Ireland’s capacity in this skilled sector, with Dublin West due to become home to the first ever biologics manufacturing facility for this company outside of the United States,
? she said.
“This is a welcome shot in the arm for the construction industry while also creating sustainable jobs for the future.
“This investment will be worth
?¬450 million and, in total, will create 1,000 jobs. It is a further testament to the growing strength of the economy, and will provide welcome employment growth in Dublin West in the years ahead.
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