Further Allergan expansion is vote of confidence in Mayo - Ring
THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has today officially opened Allergan’s new €160 million state-of-the-art Biologics 2 facility at its Westport Campus.
The new facility will create 63 jobs and will enhance Westport’s position as the company’s largest manufacturing facility.
This will bring Allergan’s total investment in Ireland since it began operations in the country to more than €750 million.
Speaking as he officiated at the opening, Minister Ring said: “This investment is a real vote of confidence in the western region.
"Allergan is a fantastic employer and it’s great to see it deepen its presence here in Mayo.
“Speaking as someone from Westport, Allergan has had a remarkably positive impact on the town and on the region.
"This announcement is further evidence of how the west can provide a wonderful environment for investors and employers.
“I was delighted to meet with Wayne Swanton, Executive Vice President of Global Operations for Allergan today and I commended him and the company’s board for the decision to make this investment.
“This announcement will result directly in 63 new jobs for people in Mayo. This means more people being able to live in their own communities and not having to relocate or commute longer distances for work.”
Allergan operates four facilities in Ireland - two manufacturing operations, one in Westport and one at Clonshaugh, Dublin - as well as an international supply chain office in Dublin and a facility in Galway.
The Allergan Westport facility is the largest and most complex campus in the Allergan global network.
The facility develops and manufactures a range of branded medicines, primarily for the export market.
Minister Ring continued: “In 2018, Allergan generated a GDP impact of €341 million and supported 3,660 jobs in Ireland’s economy, generating exchequer revenue of €84 million.”
Allergan is headquartered in Ireland and employs over 2,000 in the country, where its roots stem back over 40 years.
It has grown significantly since it first opened its Westport plant on a greenfield site in 1977.
This announcement follows on from a recent announcement by Fort Wayne Metals that it is to create 80 new jobs over the next five years at it expands its manufacturing facility in Castlebar.
The €10 million expansion is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland.
Last year Meissner also announced 150 new jobs at its new plant in Mayo which was built thanks to Government investment through the IDA.
Minister Ring added: “I have no doubt that the government’s decision to invest €241 million in the N5 Turlough to Westport road will play a positive factor in the decisions of potential investors in our county.”