PHARMACEUTICAL GIANT Merck Sharpe and Dohme yesterday announced an additional €20 million investment as part of the first phase of construction for its new vaccines and biologics facility in Carlow.
The additional investment brings to €220 million Merck’s investment, which will specialise in the formulation and filling of vaccines used to prevent and treat a variety of healthcare conditions.
Construction commenced on the €220 million facility last October.
As a result of the additional investment, 160 additional construction jobs will be created this year, bringing the total number of people employed during the construction phase to 460 people. The facility is expected to be completed by 2011.
An estimated 170 people will be employed when the facility becomes operational in 2011.
Merck employs more than 460 people at its two facilities at Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and Leopardstown in Dublin.
“Merck Sharp Dohme is delighted to deepen our roots further in Ireland,” said Dr Michael Thien, vice-president of Science, Technology and Global Pharmaceutical Commercialisation, Merck Manufacturing Division.
“This €20 million additional investment in Carlow will take our biologics facility to the next level. Biologics is a central part of the future, both for us as a company and for public health around the globe.
“In making this investment, we are demonstrating Merck Sharp Dohme’s commitment to pioneering enhancements in biologics, vaccines and other products and in doing so, placing Ireland and Carlow at the forefront of our plans,” he added.
