Superior performance and efficiency
Manufacturing remains the backbone of the Irish economy and continues to account for a substantial proportion of the foreign direct investment into Ireland each year. Manufacturing businesses in Pharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, Engineering and some elements of the ICT sector operate very competitively in Ireland generating substantive profits for their stakeholders. In the past, low cost was seen as the main element in our competitive advantage. Moderate costs still matter, but today the key competitiveness factor is continuously improving productivity. This derives from a combination of a competitive modern European cost environment with the capability of a high skilled, flexible Irish workforce led by its top class management and engineers. As a result, manufacturing operations in Ireland today are characterised by being advanced technology operations producing to the highest standards of performance and efficiency.
Intel
Intel's decision in 2004 to invest €1.6bn in building its latest technology semiconductor manufacturing facility was a landmark one which ensures that the cutting edge of semiconductor manufacturing comes to Ireland and Europe.
Intel is equipping its facility at Leixlip in Ireland with the technology to produce the next generation of microprocessors using 300mm wafers and 65-nanometre technologies. The new microchips will be smaller, faster, use less power and have more functionality than those currently produced and will open up new innovative product application opportunities for the ICT industry.
Key to this decision was the performance of the Irish operation, which in the most sophisticated advanced technological process in the world, became one of the most efficient within the Intel Group. This is a testament to the management, engineering, technical skills and competencies of the 5,000 strong Irish workforce at Intel.
"The development of the Intel facility over the last decade perfectly illustrates the manufacturing model which is of critical importance to the next phase of economic development in Ireland. The continued evolution of Intel Ireland as an innovative, research driven and sophisticated manufacturing operation has ensured that the facility remains at the cutting edge of development and leads the way in the European semiconductor industry". An Tánaiste.
Dollinger
SPX Corporation, the Fortune 500 diversified conglomerate based in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA has decided to expand its Irish engineering subsidiary Dollinger (Ireland) Limited, in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Dollinger has been manufacturing in Ireland since 1981 and is responsible for two main product lines - a traditional business which provides filtration solutions to the gas, power and chemical industries and a specialised manufacturing line in compressed air filters and elements. This new investment establishes the Irish facility as the global centre for the development and production of its compressed air products. The company is relocating to a new production premises and will employ an additional 70 skilled people in functions such as engineering, procurement, planning and customer services.
Guidant
Guidant Corporation, a global leader in the medical technology industry, announced in 2004 that it was doubling the size of its Irish manufacturing facility. Guidant designs, develops and manufactures minimally invasive products for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The expansion in Clonmel is the result of the development of the next generation of drug coated coronary stents. These new products, which are inserted into blocked arteries to prevent heart failure, administer a controlled release drug locally to prevent the re-blocking of arteries. The Clonmel operation will have responsibility for the new products bringing them from the R&D stage in the US to first time volume production.
Fujisawa
Leading Japanese pharmaceutical company, Fujisawa is investing €17 million in the expansion of its Irish operation at Killorglin, Co. Kerry. The facility manufactures Prograf, an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection by the recipient of newly transplanted organs. Prograf is Fujisawa's most important product and the Irish operation plays a key role in the supply of this product. It is now one of the leading immunosuppressants used by patients in the US, Europe and Japan and is distributed from Killorglin to more than 60 countries worldwide. In addition to increasing manufacturing capacity, the investment will include additional laboratory space for new technology development.
Innocoll
Innocoll Inc. is a privately owned specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, commercial supply, and marketing of advanced, differentiated products using its proprietary, innovative collagen-based technology platforms CollaRx™ and LiquiColl®.
In 2004, Innocoll made the strategic decision to expand its business and subsequently established European divisional headquarters for two of its divisions in Ireland. Innocoll Technologies, the company's drug delivery division, is located in Roscommon town, and Innocoll Pharmaceuticals, the company's sales and marketing division, is located in Athlone. The operations employ highly qualified R&D, engineering, management, manufacturing and market support staff. Innocoll Pharmaceuticals markets Collatamp® G, indicated for the treatment and prevention of post-surgical acquired infection, and will market additional products developed through Innocoll Technologies and product acquisitions which have a strategic fit with its core product portfolio.
Pfizer
Pfizer Corporation decided during 2004 to invest €240 million in the expansion of its sterile manufacturing and freeze drying facility in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. The plant currently produces a number of Pfizer products sold globally, including an antibiotic, a breast cancer drug, and a treatment for yeast infections. Upon completion of this project in 2008, the plant will double in size and will be capable of manufacturing new sterile products in Pfizer's product pipeline as they receive regulatory approval.
Pfizer employs 2,200 people in Ireland at nine operations located in the Cork and Dublin areas. "The skilled workforce and welcoming business environment in Ireland serve as a model for other countries that wish to attract or retain a vibrant pharmaceutical industry." John Mitchell, President of Pfizer Global Manufacturing.