30th May 2017
Global healthcare company Abbott will relocate its Irish Nutritional Devices business from its existing base at Ballytivnan, Sligo, to a new, purpose-built IDA Ireland Advance Technology building located in the Finisklin industrial estate.
The move will see a combined investment of almost EUR10 million and will enable the consolidation of manufacturing and business support within one building, enabling the creation of a medical nutrition device centre of excellence. This move also provides space for any additional manufacturing and support positions should they be created by the company in the future.
The aim is for the relocation to be completed in the first half of 2018 following work to extend the Finisklin building. This investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.
Making the announcement, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD said "Abbott's relocation within Sligo to a space with potential for expansion is very positive news for Sligo and the region. Abbott has been a tremendous success story in Ireland with plants located in several regional centres providing valuable employment. This move shows Abbott's commitment to Sligo and is a great vote of confidence in what the region has to offer. The creation of the new Medical Nutrition Device Centre of Excellence at Finisklin will enhance the company's activities in Sligo and deepen their great partnership between the company and the wider Irish economy. I wish all at Abbott continued success.”
Sean O’Hara, Abbott’s Site Director at Ballytivnan said: “Our aim is to enable people to live fuller, healthier lives. The talent available in Ireland is key in enabling us to do so. This relocation and investment ensures our people in Sligo can continue to help people all over the world lead healthier lives full of unlimited possibilities.”
CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said: “IDA-supported multinational companies contribute significantly to Ireland in terms of direct employment, capital spend and developing Ireland’s skills base. Abbott has a long history of investing in Ireland and valuing the talent and business infrastructure which is available nationally and in the business location of Sligo. . Abbott is of key importance to Ireland’s life sciences sector and contributes substantially to Ireland’s export economy. The decision to proactively build properties to attract foreign investors into regional locations has been further evidenced by Abbott Nutrition’s decision to move over 100 existing staff members into the newly built IDA Advance Technology building which will also provide scope for the company to grow in the future.”
Abbott initially established operations in Ireland in 1946 and is one of the country’s largest healthcare companies with operations in all four provinces across 10 sites, including 6 manufacturing facilities. The company’s first medical device manufacturing location in Ireland was established in Sligo in 1974.
About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 94,000 people.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
IDA Press Office: +353 1 6034190
Abbott: Fiona Lloyd +441628 644494
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