Rottapharm expanding Irish operations
The investment has been welcomed by Ireland, a country that has been feeling the effects of the economic downturn for longer than most and has suffered as pharma companies such as Elan and Corden cutback their operations.
Despite this gloomy backdrop Mary Coughlan, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, was keen to emphasise the strengths of Ireland’s manufacturing industry.
Coughlan said the investment“is an excellent example of the viability of Ireland’s manufacturing sector and its future importance to the Irish economy”.
She went onto add that:“It also demonstrates that Ireland maintains its reputation as an attractive location in Europe for high quality overseas manufacturing investment at a time of difficult global economic circumstances.”
Rottapharm established operations in the country in 1999, with support from IDA Ireland who also helped attract this latest investment, and the facility is primarily used to manufacture capsule, sachet and tablet forms of Dona.
In addition the facility also produces the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of Dona. The choice of Ireland for its Rottapharm expansion was made because of the “hugely positive experience” the company has had in the country, according to Luca Rovati, Vice Chairman.
Rovati added: “The Irish operation is rated highly within the Rottapharm/Madaus Group. This investment will be a huge enhancement to the existing facility enabling the Irish operation to broaden its product portfolio and manufacture significantly larger volumes than at present.”
Following completion of the expansion the facility will employ 150 people.
