Pharmaceutical giant MSD has confirmed it will fill 100 new long-term jobs in Co Carlow as construction gets underway on a new production facility at the site of its existing biologics formulation and filling factory in Carlow.
The company already employs 530 people at the site.
The new state-of-the-art facility will focus on the production of next-generation oncology biologics. MSD said the expansion is designed to meet increased global demand for its medicines and vaccines.
The construction work will employ around 700 people. Once the new facility is operational, MSD said the new 100 roles will include jobs in quality, operations, engineering, supply chain, and technical support.
Planning documents show the new development will have a total gross floor area of over 1.9 acres and will include a new two-story building, incorporating production suites, utilities, a warehouse, workshops, laboratories, offices, and plant rooms.
MSD Ireland has more than 2,800 employees across its sites in Ballydine, Co Tipperary, Brinny, Co Cork, Dunboyne, Co Meath, Carlow, and Dublin
Marie Martin, site lead at MSD Carlow, said demand for the firm’s vaccine and biologics products has grown.
“The new facility will play a pivotal role in ensuring we can continue to sustain future supply to meet medical needs. The talent and commitment of our team is unmatched in the industry and we’re very proud to see our operations and our team continue to expand,” she said.
MSD said construction of the new facility and hiring for open positions will commence immediately, with the goal of starting new manufacturing operations in 2025.