Global biopharmaceutical firm MSD, known as Merck in the U.S. and Canada said that it will create 330 new jobs and invest €280 million over the next three years at two of its Irish manufacturing sites.
The new jobs, which will be created in Carlow and Cork, are as a result of increased global demand for MSD's medicines and vaccines produced in Ireland, while the investment will see both sites expand production facilities and capacity to meet that demand, said company in a statement.
MSD in Brinny, Co. Cork is an integrated site for the development, testing and manufacturing of biologics, specialising in the fermentation, purification and sterile filling of biotech products. More than 200 new hires will be needed to meet demand for its work on some of the company's important treatments – medicines for lung cancer, melanoma, hepatitis C and rheumatoid arthritis, said company.
MSD in Carlow which is the company's first stand-alone vaccine and biologics facility outside the US, plans to create 120 new roles. Carlow also is an important link in MSD's network of sites producing our new immuno-oncology treatment for the global market.
Available roles at the sites include technical, engineering, biochemistry, biology, quality and operations positions, said MSD.
“Our Irish sites are involved in the production of over 50% of MSD's global top 20 products, exporting to over 60 countries worldwide and helping lead the development of new life-changing medicines for patients, including MSD's new treatments for cancer and hepatitis C,” said Ger Brennan, Managing Director of MSD Human Health in Ireland.
MSD currently employs over 1,600 people across four sites in Ireland – in Carlow, Cork, Dublin and Tipperary. Its Irish operations, encompassing manufacturing, commercial, global financial services and marketing facilities, had a turnover of €4.7 billion in 2016.
MSD provides healthcare solutions and innovative medicines in areas such as diabetes, heart disease, immuno-oncology, infectious diseases and vaccines.
MSD maintains headquarters for the company and manufacturing division in the U.S.
