Janssen Sciences Ireland, the drug maker has announced a €150m investment its biopharmaceutical facility in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The facility, which is part of the Johnson & Johnson group, will have the potential to create 180 jobs.
Construction on the expansion started early this year and is expected to take around two years to complete. Up to 300 people will be employed during the construction period.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the investment was “fantastic news” for Cork and for patients across the world who use the medicines made in Ringaskiddy.
“I’m really proud of Ireland’s thriving life sciences sector. Investment like this demonstrates the strength of talent we have here. I wish the team the very best of luck and thank them for their continued commitment to Ireland.”
The expansion is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland.
Operating in Ringaskiddy since 2005, the Janssen site manufactures medicines for immunology and oncology patients, addressing critical needs in areas such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Multiple Myeloma.
Martin Shanahan, chief executive of IDA Ireland, said Ringaskiddy is part of the very successful life sciences cluster which has been thriving in the south-west region for many years.
“The further investment announced today, which will have a hugely positive economic impact on the area, both in the construction phase and upon completion of the project, is very welcome.”