Ireland’s breakthrough in tapping Chinese power

China’s growing value and importance for the Irish economy was further underlined, this week, by pharmaceutical giant WuXi Biologics choosing Ireland — and Dundalk, in particular — as the location for its first manufacturing site outside of China.

The company is to build a €325m biologics drug substance manufacturing facility at an IDA greenfield site at Mullagharlin in Dundalk, next to the M1 motorway, which will employ 400 people.

“We are very committed to Ireland and will make this facility a showcase for the global biotech community,” said WuXi CEO Chris Chen.