It was announced today that that UK speciality pharmaceutical services company, Wasdell Group, is to establish a pharmaceutical packaging, testing and distribution facility in Dundalk. The investment will create 300 jobs over five years.

The privately owned British company’s capability includes clinical trials packing, primary and secondary packaging and distribution of biopharmaceutical products. The company also offers contract manufacturing services with FDA and MHRA approved analytical and microbiology laboratories.

The new Dundalk facility will be the company’s EU hub for qualified persons in (QP) release, analytical testing, primary and secondary pharmaceutical packaging and distribution. Wasdell is to build a 70,000 sq. ft. greenfield facility on a c.2.88 hectare site at IDA’s site in Mullagharlin, Dundalk, representing an investment of €30m.

Speaking at today’s announcement, Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen said, "Wasdell’s decision to locate this new operation in Dundalk bringing 300 new jobs to the town is a great vote of confidence in what Ireland has to offer, especially in a regional location. The Government has been driving job creation in locations which are away from the bigger cities, and this new operation in Dundalk is a great vindication of that policy."

He added, "It will provide additional facilities and services for our thriving pharmaceutical sector. This project builds on the tremendous success we have had, in bringing new foreign project to Dundalk which has helped transform the economic standing of the town over a relatively short period."

Source: www.businessworld.ie