Major plans from South Carolina-based biomaterial company Ortec could see the company’s new Limerick office, opening today (13 September), double in size in the coming months.
At 13,000 sq ft, the Newcastle West European HQ for Ortec is structured to allow, if planning permission is accepted, a doubling of floor space and significant growth of job numbers at the Limerick site.
When the expansion is complete, 110 jobs in total will have been added to the facility, with ‘skilled engineering and science’ roles making up the bulk of hires.
In the company’s first investment outside the US, Limerick was chosen as a “strategic part of our global expansion”, according to Ortec’s SVP, Christopher Brotherton.
“Bringing the project to this stage has required a great deal of collaboration,” said Brotherton. “We have received tremendous support from IDA Ireland, Limerick City and County Councils, Shannon Properties, and a multitude of local professional advisors.”
Founded in 1980, Ortec is a custom materials research and manufacturing company, with clients in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, excipients, bioabsorbable products, hygienic products, cosmetics, and nutritional additives.
The company’s only other facilities are in Greenville, South Carolina.
Limerick’s set-up is “great to see”, according to IDA CEO Martin Shanahan.
“It is a terrific win for Newcastle West, for Limerick and the wider region, especially as it’s the company’s first investment outside the US,” said Shanahan.
“Ortec’s plans to quickly scale up its operations here demonstrates a firm commitment, which will be of significant benefit in terms of jobs and benefit to the local community. I wish Christopher and his team every success here.”
The announcement follows significant jobs announcements made around Ireland last week. Dublin is soon to benefit from 165 jobs at Deutsche Bank’s new and expanding operation, and another 50 from Kaspersky Lab’s first R&D centre in Europe. KPMG is creating 200 jobs and 300 grad positions in the next 12 months throughout the island of Ireland.
Following the closure of its Galway plant, US biopharma company Beckman Coulter is to consolidate its staff numbers in Ireland by expanding its plant outside Tulla in Clare to accommodate a further 105 staff. That follows its decision last year to cut 140 jobs in the country.
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Main pharma image via Shutterstock
