Multi-million euro orthopaedic centre

ORTHOPAEDIC products firm DePuy Ireland, which is owned by Johnson & Johnson, is investing in the development of a multi-million euro innovation centre in Cork, creating 20 jobs.

The announcement of the new centre, which will be used to develop next generation orthopaedic products and processes for the global market will be made today by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin.

DePuy is based in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, where it employs 600 people. The company believes the new centre will play an important part in its future global strategy, with the work of the Cork centreexpected to support thedevelopment of next generation orthopaedic products and operations.

Twenty people, with PhD, MSc and Bachelor Degrees in Biomedical Engineering, materials and quality, will work in the centre and labs.

This is a significant development for DePuy and it is understood the quality and commitment of its workforce in Ireland were key factors behind this investment in Cork. Mr Martin is expected to outline today how this investment provides an example of how Irish companies can build on success and move into additional knowledge-based activities, which will give them an advantage over international competitors in the future.

DePuy established a manufacturing facility in Cork in 1997, followed by its global supply chain operations in 2002.