GE Healthcare has added 140 jobs in Carrigtohill, Co Cork after officially opening a €30.5m injectable diagnostic imaging agents manufacturing line. Contrast media agents are used in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) procedures worldwide.
The growing prevalence of chronic disorders have driven significant growth in CT procedures, in turn increasing demand for iodinated contrast media, used to enhance visualisation of organs, blood vessels and tissues across disease pathways.
GE Healthcare's pharmaceutical diagnostics business develops and manufactures imaging agents used in 100m procedures per year, and it is estimated that the new manufacturing line will increase production capacity at the Cork facility by over 50% by 2025.
The site currently employs 765 people at the site, located at the IDA Industrial Park in Carrigtohill, and roles being filled include operatives, project managers, engineers, quality control personnel as well as positions in facility management.
The project was delivered over 24 months, with design and project management led by BioPharma Engineering, and construction works completed by MMD Construction.
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Speaking at the opening of the new production line, GE Healthcare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics chairman and CEO Kevin O’Neill said, “We expect global demand for iodinated contrast media to double over the next ten years due to the growth of CT imaging procedures.
"As an industry leader, we understand our responsibility to help meet this growing demand from customers and patients and this new production line is part of our wider commitment to produce 30m more patient doses of contrast media annually by 2025.”
Eugene Barrett, GE Healthcare Ireland site leader said: “We have a great team here in Cork focused on supplying for our customers and their patients.
"Next year marks our 30-year anniversary of production and this new production line is central to our continued growth. We are delighted to have Minister McGrath and Kevin O’Neill on campus to celebrate this milestone.”
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said: “GE Healthcare has consistently invested in manufacturing here in Cork, bringing together state-of-the-art technology, global best practices in pharmaceutical healthcare and a highly qualified workforce. I am delighted today to open the newest filling line at the Cork campus, and welcome the creation of 140 jobs at the plant.
"Today’s opening represents yet another vote of confidence in Cork as a location for pharmaceutical manufacturing. I would like to commend all those who worked on this €30.5m project and I wish GE Healthcare continued success here in Cork.”
Mary Buckley, executive director of IDA Ireland, said: “Today’s announcement by GE Healthcare is terrific news for Cork and indeed the entire south-west region. It speaks to this global healthcare leader’s continued commitment to Ireland.
"IDA Ireland remains focused on winning jobs and investments, like this, in regional locations. I wish GE Healthcare every success with this investment and expansion.”
GE Healthcare's pharmaceutical diagnostics business employs 4,000 people across seven manufacturing sites globally and develops and supplies radiopharmaceuticals used to support diagnosis, monitoring and treatment selection across neurology, cardiology and oncology clinical pathways.
GE Healthcare, which is the $17.7bn subsidiary of GE, employs 48,000 employees internationally.
