US firm West Pharmaceutical Services has announced the creation of 330 roles as part of an expansion of its manufacturing site in Damastown in Dublin.
West Pharmaceutical Services provides innovative, high-quality injectable solutions and services and its expansion in Dublin is supported by IDA Ireland.
The company’s expansion plan includes the construction of a new 165,000 sq ft, building in response to increased demand for manufacturing solutions and drug delivery services to support treatments for chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
The company said it expects to start phase one of commercial production in the new building by the end of 2024.
West said the new roles include jobs in automation, process, validation, quality and maintenance engineers and technicians, as well as production supervisors and operators, toolmakers and operations leads. Recruitment has already started.
West employs over 1,200 people in Ireland. Its manufacturing and development centre in Dublin specialises in providing device design, development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and MedTech customers and also includes a Global Medical Device R&D Centre.
The company’s Waterford facility has been commercially operational since 2018 as a global centre of excellence for its advanced manufacturing network, producing packaging components for insulin injector cartridges and other high-value packaging components, to meet growing demand from pharmaceutical and biotech customers.
West also has a global business solutions team based in Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Tom Clarke, VP Operations, Contract Manufacturing at West said the company’s expansion in Dublin reinforces the importance of its Irish operations to the company’s global strategy.
“This expansion of our site in Dublin is an example of West’s commitment to co-innovation and co-development with our customers to help them achieve their mission of advancing and delivering critical treatments to patients,” he said.
“Our Dublin facility has been in operation for over 25 years with sustained growth and we are excited to grow our team and expand our capabilities for our valued customers,” he added.
Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said the creation of these 330 new jobs by West is a significant boost to the country’s medical device and healthcare ecosystem.
“This investment highlights the strength of our medical technology sector and reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the industry,” Mr Lohan said.
“By partnering with West on their transformation journey, we are building a future-proof business environment that positions Ireland as a leading hub for future investment and cutting-edge advancements in injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems,” he added.
Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said the expansion will ensure West can continue to meet increasing demands for their products and support more patient-focused drug delivery solutions.
