US medical device contract manufacturer Biomerics is opening a new facility in Galway which will see the creation of about 40 jobs over the next five years.
The new 2,000 square foot Balloons and Balloon Catheters centre of excellence in Galway is Biomerics' first facility in Europe and the second facility outside the US after Costa Rica.
It will be dedicated to the development and manufacturing of balloons and balloon catheters and act as an extension to the operations in Athens in Texas.
Biomerics' expansion here is being supported by IDA Ireland.
Biomerics said it decided to locate in Galway due to the region's significant cluster of medical device companies, a skilled labour pool, an international reputation, and access to suppliers and vendors.
"Having this new location is another step in our strategic growth plan. We continue to see a strong need around balloon component development," said Todd McFarland, President of Biomerics FMI.
"Our focus will be on next-generation technologies, including micro and sensing balloons. Additionally, the facility will provide more capacity to support our strategic customers in the interventional markets we serve," he added.
Global Head of Life Sciences at IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said that Biomerics' decision to locate its first European site in Galway is terrific news for Ireland and reflects the established Lifesciences cluster in the West Region.
"This announcement is an exemplar of IDA Ireland's continued commitment to winning innovative investments and job creation in regional locations," he added.
Galway-based Minister of State in the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton said the company's decision to expand to Galway brings with it the creation of 40 jobs providing new opportunities for people to work and live in Galway, which has a proven track record when it comes to providing a rich pool of talent with a highly skilled and educated workforce.
"Today’s announcement is a great achievement for the West of Ireland and signals a bright future for businesses across the country," she added.
