Plant expansion to create 175 jobs

AbbVie is to manufacture one of the world’s newest blockbuster drugs following an €85m expansion at its plant in Sligo.

The plant at Manorhamilton will manufacture AbbVie’s treatment for the hepatitis C virus which has cured nearly 100% of sufferers in clinical trials.

The investment in the plant will create 175 new jobs in the area and secure the plant’s future in global drug production.

Director of quality, Ronan McGarvey, said that the company was hoping for huge global sales from their hepatitis C drug.

“AbbVie anticipate global sales in excess of $1 billion, it is a blockbuster,” he said.

Senior vice president of operations, Azita Saleki-Gerhardt said that its investment in preparing the plant for the development of the next generation of drugs shows AbbVie’s commitment to Sligo.

“This investment represents our ongoing commitment to Sligo and Ireland as an important part of AbbVie’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing strategy. Our presence here in Sligo dates back to 1974, and our success in Ireland is a credit to our dedicated staff and management,” he said.

Mr McGarvey said that despite the lack of a university in the area the company has never had difficulty in attracting suitably qualified staff to the north-west.

Speaking at the opening of the new facility the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that the extension of the facility is an endorsement of Ireland as a life sciences leader.

“AbbVie has had a long and deep relationship with Ireland and today’s opening of their new €85m extension to the Manorhamilton site furthers Ireland’s reputation as a leading location for investment for the life sciences sector.

“The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs prioritises measures to support fast-growing sectors like this so we can increase job creation and ensure economic recovery,” he said.

Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland, said that the new facility will benefit the whole North West region.

“It is significant to note the substantial benefit the company provides, not just to Sligo but to the whole north-west region. Drawing, as it does, workers from counties Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Fermanagh and Mayo allows that benefit to spread out to those local economies.”