Ireland welcomes Allergan Pharmaceuticals $350 million expansion

IDA Ireland welcomed the announcement by Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland that it is to invest $350 million in its Westport operation to expand both its development and manufacturing capabilities. The expansion will result in the creation of approximately 200 new jobs at the site over the next four years and an estimated 250 indirect jobs locally, during the construction period. The investment is supported by IDA Ireland.

This investment will enable Allergan to expand the manufacturing capacity for BOTOX ® (botulinum toxin type A) and to develop a manufacturing base for the next generation of biologic products currently in the Allergan pipeline.

Welcoming the Allergan investment, IDA Ireland CEO, Barry O'Leary said: "I am delighted to welcome Allergan's decision to locate this strategic investment at its Westport operation. The company has a long history with Ireland and the IDA, and the announcement of these 200 new jobs along with a $350 million investment further embeds Allergan's presence in Ireland. Allergan already contributes significantly to the national and local economies, investing an average of $25 million capital expenditure per annum in Ireland, in recent years.

2In addition to excellence in manufacturing and consistent with IDA strategy, the Westport site has increased its involvement in the late stage development of new products. This announcement is a welcome endorsement of Ireland's record with the Development and Manufacturing model and represents a further boost for the vibrant pharma chemical sector here. With the right policies, and a commitment to supporting R&D investment in Ireland, we can ensure that the pipeline of such announcements from the healthcare sector will continue."