Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW) is reportedly planning to build a plant in Ireland that could employ as many as 600 workers by 2020.
The $98.5 million (€80 million) facility in the Emerald Isle’s Mid-West region will produce the delivery systems for replacement heart valves, according to the Independent. Edwards initially plans to hire about 60 people beginning in June who will work at a temporary site in Shannon, the newspaper reported.
“The addition of a manufacturing location in Ireland is an element of Edwards’ global supply strategy to support future growth and reliability of supply, and continues the growth in employment Edwards has experienced both in the United States and around the world,” global supply chain VP Joe Nuzzolese said in prepared remarks. “Choosing this location included many considerations, but an important one is a talented workforce with experience in medical technology. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the local community through engagement and philanthropic support, and providing educational and professional opportunities for our employees. We are excited to welcome these new associates into Edwards, with the shared goal of serving more patients around the world by delivering high quality life-saving technologies.”
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys called the development “very significant regional investment.”
“It will provide even more opportunities for local residents and communities to grow and thrive,” Humphreys said. “My department, through the IDA, is committed to supporting Edwards as it establishes operations in Ireland and as the company continues to develop its innovative heart valve technologies.”
($1 = €0.812057)
