Grifols, a Barcelona-based leader in plasma-derived medicines, has opened a new albumin purification and filling plant at its global manufacturing and supply hub in Grange Castle, Dublin.
The 183,000 sq ft extension brings Grifols' total investment in Ireland over the past 10 years to €300m, and the company expects to increase its number of staff in Dublin from around 300 to over 500 by 2024.
Grifols also has manufacturing sites for essential plasma medicines in Barcelona, North Carolina, Los Angeles, and Dreieich, Germany, and further facilities are under construction in Montreal and Cairo.
"This new magnificent Dublin manufacturing facility, which incorporates Grifols industry-leading engineering, is indicative of this company’s commitment to investing in essential plasma-medicine infrastructure globally to treat more patients around the world," said Victor Grifols Den and Raimon Grifols, co-CEOs of Grifols.
"The significant investment underlines our long-term commitment to Ireland and reinforces Dublin’s role as a critical nerve center for Grifols’ global operations."
In Association with
“The new plant, displaying Grifols’ industry-leading technological excellence, is part of our broader expansion in Dublin that includes the growth of the supply chain and logistical operations of our Biopharma business unit, all of which brings additional professional development opportunities to the Irish workforce,” said Shane O’Brien, vice president of Grifols Worldwide Operations.
The company said in a statement that Ireland has proved attractive due to its highly educated and skilled workforce as well as its positioning between North America and continental Europe, and pro-business environment.
The new plant will help the company meet demand for albumin, the most abundant protein in plasma, which is used to replace lost fluids, restore blood volume, and treat diseases such as cirrhosis.
Demand for albumin is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 5% over the next five years, and Grifols is also advancing its potential use to treat neurological degenerative disorders.
Commenting on the announcement, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said: "“I very much welcome Grifols’ continued investment in Ireland and the 200 extra jobs this will bring to Dublin.
"Having steadily grown its presence in Ireland over the last decade, Grifols further expansion reinforces Dublin as an important centre of the company’s global operations."
Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, added: “This significant investment by Grifols marks a 10-year milestone in its commitment to Ireland.
"The Irish site plays an important role in in providing vital plasma-derived medicine to treat disease around the world. We welcome the company’s plans to create new employment opportunities across several activities and look forward to continued success for Grifols in Ireland.”
(Pic: Getty Images)
