Global medical technology company BD is to create more than 130 new jobs and invest €70m over five years in its Centre of Excellence in Limerick.
The company last week announced it was creating 100 jobs at its operations in Drogheda after a €62m investment in new equipment to expand its production of syringes at its Donore Road site.
BD said the 130 new research and development positions in Limerick will be in the areas of engineering and scientific disciplines such as software, electronics, hardware and immunology.
The expansion of the facility will include a state-of-the-art laboratory, workspaces and technologies to support the company's new innovations.
The project is supported by IDA Ireland.
Beth McCombs, BD's executive vice president and chief technology officer, said the Research Centre Ireland plays an essential role in delivering products and solutions to improve biomedical discovery, the diagnosis of disease and the delivery of care for patients.
"Our partnership with the IDA has been vital to our success and continued expansion. Looking ahead, BD innovation is focused on integrated, digital solutions to empower the smart hospital, enable new care settings and improve chronic disease outcomes," Ms Combs said.
"Continuing to attract the best and brightest minds in Limerick and across Ireland will be critical to help BD deliver on our purpose of advancing the world of health," she added.
Senior R&D Director for BD Padraig FitzGerald said the company's staff in Ireland play a significant role in advancing solutions across the company's portfolio.
"With the 130 additional roles and expanded facilities announced today, we'll be able to further tap into Ireland's robust talent pool to accelerate innovation fundamental to our growth strategy," he said.
The chief executive of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan, said today's announcement by BD, the second announcement for its Irish operations in the past week, demonstrates the global organisation's commitment to and confidence in Ireland, where it has had a presence since 1964.
"The expansion of BD's Research Centre Ireland facility, first established in Limerick five years ago, is welcome news and further strengthens the Mid West Region's established R&D cluster," he added.
Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy said BD's continued expansion in Ireland is testament to the skills and talent here in Limerick and indeed Ireland.
"The research carried out here will improve healthcare and patients’ lives better for years to come," Mr Troy stated.
