Stryker plans big expansion at ‘phenomenally successful’ Cork plant

A SIGNIFICANT expansion is planned for Stryker’s Cork facility this year, resulting in job creation.

The company, which refused to give details of how many jobs would be created, said it is growing its engineering and R&D team by 40% this year following “phenomenal success” at its Cork plant.

R&D director with Stryker David Tallon said: “The success of our business is down to the people we employ, hence we are looking to meet exceptional engineers in the areas of design, advanced manufacturing and quality.

“We offer challenging roles which allow people to work with the very best in the business, working with top neuro and orthopaedic surgeons from around the world to help advance the medical tools and products used in cutting-edge surgery.”

Mr Tallon was speaking ahead of the annual FÁS Opportunities 2008 which will open at the end of this month.

Last month Stryker, which employs 400 people in Cork and Limerick issued a recall of its Trident Hip Implants which are manufactured in Cork. This happened days after the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted a warning letter on its website chastising Stryker for deficiencies at its New Jersey manufacturing plant.

Since 2005, Styker hip implant patients have reported a range of problems, including pain, difficulty walking and “squeaky” joints, and some have had pieces of implant parts break off or wear down unevenly.

The complaints prompted the FDA to inspect both the Mahwah, New Jersey and Cork plants where most of the Stryker hip implants sold in the US are made.