The Irish Examiner reported last week that the company plans to expand and create 80 new jobs at the location. In March, the company announced a €35 million investment in the same facility. That cash infusion aimed to create more than 200 jobs over the next three years.
According to the report, Johnson & Johnson Vision believes the investment allows for the expansion of its manufacturing capability. It plans to introduce fully automated flexible manufacturing lines with the added funds at the contact lens manufacturing site.
The Irish Examiner said the extension to the J&J Vision site already began. Production is slated to begin in 2024 and the company is recruiting for new roles. Positions include process and production technicians, as well as manufacturing engineers and lab technicians.
J&J Vision has operated at the Limerick site for more than 25 years, according to the report. The facility operates on electricity from 100% renewable sources, including an onsite wind turbine.
According to the report, John Lynch, plant leader, J&J Vision Care Ireland, said the expansion of the site is “an incredible opportunity to join a diverse workforce made up of the best and brightest minds, delivering cutting edge medical technologies that transform lives.”
Boom times for medical device manufacturing in Ireland?
Johnson & Johnson Vision is but the latest in a string of major medical device companies expanding their Irish operations. Medtech companies appear to be taking advantage of the business-friendly environment in Ireland. In addition, Ireland’s corporate taxes are some of the lowest in the European Union.
Other recent medical device industry investments in Ireland include:
- Boston Scientific unveiled in April that it is pouring €100 million ($118 million) into its operations outside Galway;
- Stryker announced in August that it is opening a new, 156,000-square-foot 3D printing facility in County Cork;
- Also, in August, Abbot said it will spend €440 million ($450 million) to boost FreeStyle Libre production in Ireland, creating a new 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kilkenny and further investing in its Donegal Diabetes Care site.
