British biopharmaceutical company GeneMedix has received IDA approval for a new manufacturing plant in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
The project involves an investment of IR£5.7m and is expected to create up to 30 jobs initially.
The plant will manufacture the company's Erythropoietin product, which is used to treat patients suffering from kidney failure. Work is due to start on the site later this year, with manufacturing beginning in early 2003.
GeneMedix chief executive Paul Edwards said the company chose Ireland because of fiscal incentives, a strong pharmaceutical infrastructure and the access to major international markets.
The Tullamore facility will be GeneMedix's second manufacturing plant - its first is in China. The company floated in London in November.
Today's announcement has been welcomed by the Tanaiste Mary Harney and Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen.
