Unical Chemical Technologies is to establish a new manufacturing facility in Wexford, with the global chromatography company hiring 17 people at the site.
Recruitment is already underway to hire the first five members of the team, with production and product inspection the early roles to be filled.
“United Chemical Technologies is looking forward to expanding our European business segment,” says Bethany Magrann, president of the silica-based Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) technology provider.
SPEs are routinely used in clinical, forensic and environmental laboratories for the extraction of trace analytes in complex samples.
According to Magran, “Ireland is the perfect location for this development, due to its innovative workforce and committed business environment. Both ConnectIreland and Gerry Grady have played an integral part in helping make this process a seamless one”.
(l-r) COO ConnectIreland, Joanna Murphy; Gerry Grady, the connector who introduced UCT to Wexford; Minister of State Paul Keogh TD; Tony Larkin, Deputy CEO Wexford County Council (image via Ger Leacy)
The company already employs 100 people globally.
Irish science jobs
UCT chose to locate in Wexford due to the availability of a suitable facility, the positive approach of everyone the company encountered in Wexford, as well as access to a well-educated, efficient and committed workforce.
But, as it’s a ConnectIreland project, Grady emerges a victor in this instance, given that successful ‘connectors’ can earn rewards of up to €1,500.
“I heard UCT might be planning something for Europe and I knew one or two people in the US plant so I rang them up and we had a discussion regarding setting up in Ireland,” said Grady.
“As the project evolved there’s an element of national pride in it – providing opportunities to people who may not have had them. It’s very rewarding. It’s been a very positive experience,” he said.
Researchers, via Shutterstock
