Packaging multinational Amcor will establish new thermoforming capabilities for medical packaging at its Sligo facility as part of a multi-million euro investment that will expand the site's footprint in the north-west and create around 75 jobs.
The New York-listed company expects to double revenue at the Sligo healthcare packaging facility as a result of the investment, which will see the construction of Class 7 cleanroom manufacturing environments and state-of-the art thermoforming operations at the site.
Amcor will also add a full design studio to support product development, which will allow customers to consult with staff at the firm's global innovation centres and thermoforming facilities in Minnesota and Puerto Rico.
Clients in the medical device sector rely on the type of packaging produced by Amcor in Sligo, and the company said that with the investment and the opening of its facility in Singapore last year, it would actively meet growing demand.
According to Market Data Forecast, the European medical device segment is expected to grow at annual rate of more than 4%, reaching $171 billion by 2027.
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This is an extremely exciting and proud moment for us” said John McSharry, plant general manager at Amcor Flexibles Sligo. “The significant investment in our Sligo site showcases the confidence in the outstanding expertise and dedication of our people.
"Over the coming weeks and months, we will be advertising new roles and look forward to welcoming new colleagues and growing our great team.”
“The additional capabilities in our Sligo site allow us to provide customers with even more differentiated and efficient solutions to meet their healthcare packaging needs,” said Peter Konieczny, chief commercial officer at Amcor.
“With our global scale and innovation capabilities, Amcor is uniquely positioned to capture growing demand for both medical and pharmaceutical packaging products globally.”
Amcor added that the move would strengthen its position in sterile packaging, and that the hiring round would include roles such as machine operators, manufacturing technicians, team and leads
The company will also be hiring project, process and design engineers and filling positions in the maintenance, quality assurance, sales and supply chain fields.
"Congratulations to the team at Amcor on this really significant expansion which will create 75 new jobs for Sligo," Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said.
"This investment is a real vote of confidence in Sligo, the strong talent pool we have in the area and the existing team at the facility. The very best of luck."
Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, which is supporting the investment, added: "Today’s announcement from Amcor, is terrific news for Sligo and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the North West region, where it has been located since 2003.
"Winning jobs and investments in the region remains a key pillar of IDA Ireland’s strategy. I wish Amcor every success with this expansion."
Amcor employs around 47,000 people across 230 locations in more than 40 countries and generates annual sales of some $12.5bn.
(Pic: Amcor/LinkedIn)
