US pharma firm to create 400 jobs at Dublin facility

Up to 400 jobs are to be created with the expansion of a US pharmaceutical firm in Dublin.

Bristol-Myers Squibb said the manufacturing roles will be based at a newly-built factory in Cruiserath, in the west of the county.

Earlier this year, the company said it was closing an existing facility at the site with the loss of 130 jobs — and a further 30 lay-offs at its plant in Swords, north Dublin.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the new investment will be a huge boost to the economy. “I had the opportunity to meet with Bristol-Myers Squibb, and I’m delighted they chose Ireland as the location for this large, state-of-the-art facility,” he said.

Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton said she was delighted the company was expanding so significantly. “Bristol-Myers Squibb is at the cutting-edge of biological medicine, and the decision to construct its new manufacturing facility in Dublin represents a massive vote of confidence in Ireland’s recovery,” she said.

The company, which has had a base in Ireland for half a century, makes oncology, virology, and immunoscience medicines. It expects 1,000 construction jobs will be created while the new factory is being built.

The 30,000m sq plant will be built over four years on the grounds of the company’s existing factory. It is expected to cost around €720m.

Scientists, engineers, bioprocess operators, quality specialists, and other skilled professionals will be needed for the operation.