J&J eyes €100m plant expansion

LIMERICK received a major jobs boost yesterday with the decision of a multinational to expand its Plassey Technological Park operation, increasing its workforce by 124.

Vistakon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson which manufactures disposable contact lenses, is investing €100 million in the new development.

At present the Limerick plant employs more than 500.

Jim Canny, vice-president of Vistakon said: “Limerick was chosen because of its track record in achieving targets and its success with a number of product development initiatives”.

He said the enlargement of the Limerick operation was part of Vistakon’s growth strategy to capitalise on the global contact lens market’s huge potential.

The new jobs, supported by IDA, will be created over the next two years and recruitment has already commenced. Many graduate engineers will be taken on.

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin said the Limerick operation faced tough competition from around the world.

“The Limerick management and workforce are to be congratulated for securing this investment,” he said.

“This development is also strategically very important for it’s role within the Johnson & Johnson Corporation,” he added.

Vistakon employs 2,000 at seven plants in Cashel, Cork, Dublin, and Limerick. Vistakon set up in Limerick 10 years ago and exports products worldwide.

Mr Martin said the development at Limerick will maintain this plant in a strong competitive position by producing the next generation products in the high-value range for a growing market.