Japanese pharmaceutical firm to expand plant in Kerry

Fujisawa, one of the world’s top 30 pharmaceutical companies, has announced that it has invested €17m to expand its Irish operation, Fujisawa Ireland Limited, in Killorglin Co. Kerry.

The company has a total employment of 280 people and has constructed a 27,000 sq. ft. extension to provide additional production space for the new operation.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, who is currently in Japan leading an Enterprise Ireland trade mission, today welcomed the announcement.

The Fujisawa plant at Killorglin is a pharmaceutical finishing plant and was established in 1991 with IDA Ireland support.

Although initially proposed to employ only 27 employees it has grown significantly over the years to its current level of 280 people.

The plant manufactures Prograf, an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection by the recipient of newly transplanted organs and is distributed from Killorglin to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Prograf is Fujisawa's most important product and the plant at Killorglin plays a key role for this product.

Mr Martin said: "The Irish management are to be congratulated for winning this investment and working very closely with IDA in securing it.

"This is a very important investment for the Killorglin operation as it gives the facility an integral role in the future strategic business of the company and consolidates the operation in the town."

Dr M. Miyake, Managing Director of Fujisawa Ireland, welcomed the completion of this investment and said that it reflected well on both the continuing strong demand for Prograf and the good performance of the plant at Killorglin.

Mr Miyake said: "This investment with its emphasis on increased capacity and the latest technology both consolidates and enhances the immediate future of the plant.”