Janssen Sciences has announced an expansion of its biopharmaceutical supply chain facility in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, with the potential to create 180 new full-time jobs.
Construction on the expansion has commenced and is expected to take two years to complete. Up to 300 people will be employed during the construction period, the company said.
The expansion is supported by taxpayers through IDA Ireland state aid.
Enterprise minister Leo Varadkar said: “This is really fantastic news, for Cork and for patients across the world who use the medicines made here.
“Janssen Sciences, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, is investing €150m in its Ringaskiddy facility, and I’m really proud of Ireland’s thriving life sciences sector. Investment like this demonstrates the strength of talent we have here.”
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Operating in Ringaskiddy since 2005, the Janssen site manufactures medicines for immunology and oncology patients, addressing needs in areas such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Multiple Myeloma.
In Ireland, it is estimated that around 2,000 people suffer from Myeloma, a form of blood cancer which affects the white blood cells made in the bone marrow.
Leila Schwery-Bou-Diab, Vice President Manufacturing & Technical Operation, Johnson & Johnson, commented: “Since its establishment in 2005, the Janssen site in Ringaskiddy has been at the cutting-edge of delivering life-changing healthcare products.
“The additional manufacturing capacity created by this investment will enhance the work we do to deliver transformational medicines that can change the trajectory of health."
The new jobs are envisaged in roles such as facilities, engineering, quality, manufacturing and regulatory affairs. The company currently has a workforce of over 700 people at the Ringaskiddy site.
Gary Hartnett, General Manager, Janssen Sciences, said the company will shortly commence commercial production in its new manufacturing suite which started development in 2017.
The facility has attained necessary manufacturing approvals, and the company says that ongoing investment is increasing operational capacity to meet the demands of a growing clinic portfolio.
“This will increase our capacity to manufacture life-changing medicines for patients all around the world,” he added.
“We will be adding 180 potential new roles as part of this announcement. It is an incredible opportunity to join a diverse workforce made up of the best and brightest minds, delivering cutting edge medicines that transform lives.”
Information on the roles that are available at Janssen Sciences Ireland can be viewed at www.careers.jnj.com.
IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan said the Janssen investment will have a hugely positive economic impact on the area, both in the construction phase and upon completion of the project.
“It is testament to Janssen’s continued commitment to their Irish operations, and will further enhance the region’s life sciences offering, as well as continuing to deliver the significant positive economic impact it has since first establishing in Ringaskiddy in 2005,” he stated.
In 2020, the Janssen site in Ringaskiddy was designated as a Global Lighthouse site by the World Economic Forum, recognising it as one of the world’s most advanced manufacturers.
Photo (l-r) Aisling Murphy of Janssen Sciences, Martin Shanahan, minister Michael McGrath, and Janssen executives Gary Hartnett and Leila Schwery. (Pic: Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
