Abbott Laboratories to create 1,000 new jobs in Ireland

DUBLIN: US healthcare company Abbott Laboratories is making a further €440m investment in Ireland. The company plans to invest in a new greenfield manufacturing plant in Kilkenny and create more jobs in Donegal by expanding its facility there.

Abbott, which already employs 5,000 people in Ireland, has announced plans to create 1,000 new jobs as part of the investment. The company’s investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

Abbott Laboratories has been operating in the country for over 75 years. In addition to Donegal and the planned new plant for Kilkenny, the company has offices and factories in Clonmel, Cootehill, Dublin, Longford, Sligo and Galway.

The new 250,000 square foot manufacturing facility, located on the IDA Business and Technology Park in Loughboy, Kilkenny, is awaiting planning permission. If permission is granted, hundreds of people will be employed here.

Abbott said it will provide the capacity to substantially increase production of its FreeStyle Libre technology for people with diabetes.

Government support

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Abbott has a long and successful history and this new investment is a great vote of confidence in the workforce in Ireland as a place to invest.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said Abbott’s investment is encouraging for those wishing to invest in Kilkenny and Donegal. “These 1,000 new jobs are a huge boost and really speak to the strength of Abbott’s 5,000 existing staff here. We never take this investment for granted,” he added.

IDA Ireland Executive Director Mary Buckley said Abbott has had a long-standing presence in Ireland spanning more than 75 years. She added that the company has made a substantial and valued contribution to regional economies throughout this time.