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Jobs for 250 scientists and laboratory technicians are to be created when a US drug firm invests millions in the Republic of Ireland over the next five years, it has emerged.
The £13.34 million (14 million euro) investment by Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD) is supported by the Republic’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and based at the Garrycastle Business and Technology Park, in Athlone, Ireland.
The company employs more than 10,000 workers in 27 countries world-wide and co-ordinates clinical trials for some of the world’s top drug manufacturers.
The new facility will conduct laboratory testing for all phases of drug development for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It is already looking for PhD-level scientists, analytical laboratory staff and other clinic technicians to fill the roles.
Taoiseach, Brian Cowen said the PPD’s decision to choose Ireland was very significant for the Midlands region, and for the country as a whole.
He added that securing the project was in line with IDA Ireland’s and the government’s policy of attracting the highest quality investment from the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors to Ireland.
PPD chief executive officer Fred Eshelman said Ireland offered a business-friendly environment, highly-skilled workforce and local science graduates from nearby Athlone Institute of Technology.
Copyright Press Association 2008
Pharmaceutical Product Development
