The American multinational pharmaceutical company, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) is expanding its site in county Tipperary.
One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, MSD is leading to the creation of 20 long-term roles.
They also have sites in Dublin, Cork and Carlow counties.
MSD in Ballydine, Co Tipperary, which manufactures medicines for a variety of conditions including diabetes, arthritis, HIV, and HPV, aims to broaden its Research & Development and Formulation building with a view to supporting the production of new medicines in the coming years.
With the planning permission, the existing building will have a total area of 6,400 square meters. And a new three-level extension that incorporates the latest equipment and technology to support the development and launch of pipeline drugs.
If the Tipperary County Council approves the plan, they plan to complete design and initial construction in 2020 and begin full construction by 2021. Thus, they hope to start operations by 2023.
MSD’s Ballydine site currently has about 500 members. The company hopes to create a lot of job opportunities through this one project.
The proposed expansion of the R&D and Formulation building would result in the recruitment of about 20 new workers in the product development, operations and quality areas. In addition, its construction project will lead to the short-term employment of about 220 traders.
Brian Killen, MSD Ballydine plant manager, said the company is constantly focusing on the future and how the site will prepare to help the production and launch of the next wave of essential medicinal products.
This has resulted in significant regular investment in the site over the last few years. “We will ensure our facility continues to be invested in by our global company, in recognition of the role we play in realising the medicines of tomorrow,” the manager said.