Medical device firm to create 200 jobs at Limerick facility

ONE of the world’s largest medical device companies has delivered a timely tonic to the mid-west and the wider economy by announcing an additional 200 highly skilled jobs at its Limerick facility.

Cook Medical moved into the National Technology Park at Plassey in 1996. It currently employs 480 at the site.

The company makes devices for a range of medical areas including urology, gastroenteritis, women’s health and surgery.

It chose Limerick for further investment due to its track record of quality standards and ability to deliver on time.

Cook Medical will invest €25 million, with support from the Government and IDA Ireland to create the jobs, which will come on stream over the next year.

The Limerick operation will now become the company’s sole global manufacturing site for Cook Medical’s new stent product, Zilver PTX.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, who travelled to Limerick for the announcement, said: “Today’s news is another fantastic development for the thriving medical technology industry in Ireland.

“This is the 10th significant investment by a multinational company from the medical technologies sector in Ireland since the beginning of this year.

“It is superb news for the staff and management of Cook Ireland. The Irish facility has secured the manufacturing investment for a leading edge product. The company has undertaken collaborative R&D with the University of Limerick and Dublin Institute of Technology, an area in which this government is fully supportive.”

Cook vice president, Bill Doherty said the successful track record of its Limerick operation and the plant’s ability to deliver projects over the past 12 years was a significant factor in the decision to make this strategic investment at Plassey.

“As the investment forms part of our company’s future international growth plans, it is essential that we have confidence in the ability of the chosen location to deliver to the strict deadlines and exacting quality standards required. We have that confidence in the Limerick team.

“In addition, our experience in Limerick demonstrates Ireland’s ability to provide the right people-highly skilled and adaptable, which are needed for the next phase of the development.”