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€350m. Allergan expansion will create 200 new jobs

Tuesday, 10 January 2012 13:30
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Taoiseach Enda Kenny is pictured with Mr. Pat O'Donnell, managing director, Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, prior to the jobs announcmentTaoiseach Enda Kenny is pictured with Mr. Pat O'Donnell, managing director, Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, prior to the jobs announcment

THE west of Ireland received a major jobs boost yesterday (Monday) with the announcement by Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland that it is to invest $350 million in its Westport site to expand both development and manufacturing capacity.

The investment will primarily enable Allergan to expand the manufacturing capability for BOTOX (botulinum toxin type A) and to develop a manufacturing base for the next generation of biologic products currently in the Allergan pipeline.

It will also support expansion of manufacturing and development activities across the other franchises within the Allergan portfolio.

The expansion will result in the creation of approximately 200 new jobs at the Westport site over the next four years and an estimated 250 indirect jobs locally during the construction period.

Allergan currently employs more than 900 people in Ireland, primarily in manufacturing and development as well as financial services and customer support.

 

 

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Pat O’Donnell, managing director, Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, said: “This is a really positive day for Allergan, for our employees and for the local community. This investment underscores the strategic importance of the Westport site within the Allergan manufacturing network.

“Based on Allergan’s present strategic plans, we anticipate that demand for BOTOX will continue to grow, fuelled by recent approvals of the product for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and the treatment of chronic migraine in many countries around the world.” 

Mr. O’Donnell continued: “The Allergan board has approved the acquisition of the Technology Park located next to the Allergan site, giving us the space for this expansion. I would like to recognise the work of the IDA and local agencies for having the vision to develop the technology park and for agreeing to our acquisition of these facilities, which will allow us to meet our current and future growth plans.”

Allergan anticipates that detailed design and planning work will commence in early 2012. While the acquisition of the technology park provides the site for the new biologics manufacturing facility, it also provides ample space to allow the site to further grow its development capability.

Consistent with government and IDA strategy, Allergan has been developing a growing capability in the late stage development of new products at the Westport site.

Commenting on Allergan’s expansion, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, added: “Allergan's expansion of their Irish operation is a significant vote of confidence in our country. 

“Developments like this will help us on the path to economic recovery.  Allergan's Westport facility is an important strategic site in their network and contributes more than 50 per cent of global revenues from a range of products manufactured here. 

“The expansion of this facility is a much needed boost for the region and will bring further high quality jobs to the west of Ireland. The IDA are to be commended for their work in this area. 

“The government's top priority is jobs and we will continue to focus on policies that support jobs and enterprise.”

Welcoming the Allergan investment, IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary said: “I am delighted to welcome Allergan’s decision to locate this strategic investment at its Westport operation.

“The company has a long history with Ireland and the IDA, and the announcement of these 200 new jobs along with a $350 million investment further embeds Allergan’s presence in Ireland. 

“Allergan already contributes significantly to the national and local economies, investing an average of $25 million capital expenditure per annum in Ireland, in recent years.

“In addition to excellence in manufacturing and consistent with IDA strategy, the Westport site has increased its involvement in the late stage development of new products. This announcement is a welcome endorsement of Ireland’s record with the Development and Manufacturing model and represents a further boost for the vibrant pharma chemical sector here. With the right policies and a commitment to supporting R&D investment in Ireland, we can ensure that the pipeline of such announcements from the healthcare sector will continue.”

THE west of Ireland received a major jobs boost yesterday (Monday) with the announcement by Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland that it is to invest $350 million in its Westport site to expand both development and manufacturing capacity.

The investment will primarily enable Allergan to expand the manufacturing capability for BOTOX (botulinum toxin type A) and to develop a manufacturing base for the next generation of biologic products currently in the Allergan pipeline.

It will also support expansion of manufacturing and development activities across the other franchises within the Allergan portfolio.

The expansion will result in the creation of approximately 200 new jobs at the Westport site over the next four years and an estimated 250 indirect jobs locally during the construction period.

Allergan currently employs more than 900 people in Ireland, primarily in manufacturing and development as well as financial services and customer support.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Pat O’Donnell, managing director, Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, said: “This is a really positive day for Allergan, for our employees and for the local community. This investment underscores the strategic importance of the Westport site within the Allergan manufacturing network.

“Based on Allergan’s present strategic plans, we anticipate that demand for BOTOX will continue to grow, fuelled by recent approvals of the product for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and the treatment of chronic migraine in many countries around the world.”

Mr. O’Donnell continued: “The Allergan board has approved the acquisition of the Technology Park located next to the Allergan site, giving us the space for this expansion. I would like to recognise the work of the IDA and local agencies for having the vision to develop the technology park and for agreeing to our acquisition of these facilities, which will allow us to meet our current and future growth plans.”

Allergan anticipates that detailed design and planning work will commence in early 2012. While the acquisition of the technology park provides the site for the new biologics manufacturing facility, it also provides ample space to allow the site to further grow its development capability.

Consistent with government and IDA strategy, Allergan has been developing a growing capability in the late stage development of new products at the Westport site.

Commenting on Allergan’s expansion, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, added: “Allergan's expansion of their Irish operation is a significant vote of confidence in our country. 

“Developments like this will help us on the path to economic recovery.  Allergan's Westport facility is an important strategic site in their network and contributes more than 50 per cent of global revenues from a range of products manufactured here. 

“The expansion of this facility is a much needed boost for the region and will bring further high quality jobs to the west of Ireland. The IDA are to be commended for their work in this area. 

“The government's top priority is jobs and we will continue to focus on policies that support jobs and enterprise.”

Welcoming the Allergan investment, IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary said: “I am delighted to welcome Allergan’s decision to locate this strategic investment at its Westport operation.

“The company has a long history with Ireland and the IDA, and the announcement of these 200 new jobs along with a $350 million investment further embeds Allergan’s presence in Ireland. 

“Allergan already contributes significantly to the national and local economies, investing an average of $25 million capital expenditure per annum in Ireland, in recent years.

“In addition to excellence in manufacturing and consistent with IDA strategy, the Westport site has increased its involvement in the late stage development of new products. This announcement is a welcome endorsement of Ireland’s record with the Development and Manufacturing model and represents a further boost for the vibrant pharma chemical sector here. With the right policies and a commitment to supporting R&D investment in Ireland, we can ensure that the pipeline of such announcements from the healthcare sector will continue.”


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