Carlow jobs boost as pharma firm announces €20m investment

Pharmaceuticals firm Merck Sharp & Dohme has announced an additional €20m investment as part of the first phase of construction for the company’s new vaccines and biologics facility in Carlow.

Some 160 additional construction jobs will be created this year as a result of the investment, bringing the total employment figure in the construction phase in Carlow to 460 people, the company said in a statement.

A further 170 people will be employed when the facility becomes operational in 2011.

"The additional investment brings to €220m Merck Sharp & Dohme’s investment in Carlow, putting the facility at the forefront of global advancements in vaccines and biologics," the company said.

Announcing the investment on a visit to Carlow, Dr Michael Thien of Merck said that the additional investment is a further indication of the company’s long-term commitment to Ireland and Carlow.

“Merck Sharp & Dohme is delighted to deepen our roots further in Ireland," he said.

"In making this investment, we are demonstrating Merck Sharp & Dohme’s commitment to pioneering enhancements in biologics, vaccines and other products and in doing so, placing Ireland and Carlow at the forefront of our plans.”